Short films unpick barriers to reporting hate crime

Published on 15 January 2024

The barriers to reporting hate crime have been captured on a series of short films as part of an annual student competition staged at the University of Sunderland.

The short film partnership project, now in its 11th year, in collaboration with Northumbria Police, raises awareness about issues impacting society through films created by final year Screen Performance, Performing Arts and Film Production students at the University of Sunderland.

Over the years the projects have addressed challenging issues such as county lines drug crime, male rape, modern-day slavery, the capacity to consent, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, and cyber-crime.

This year the students have been asked by Northumbria Police, to look at hate crime, which is becoming more widespread in society, and the barriers to reporting the crime. 

Hate crime is any criminal offence motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity. Someone can be a victim of more than one type of hate crime. Barriers to reporting the crime can include trivialisation of abuse, belief that nothing will come out of it, concerns about consequences and escalation of violence​ as well as inaccessibility of services.

The students have also worked alongside north-east charity Connected Voice, which campaigns for health equality and supports and develops local voluntary and community organisations.

They have researched, scripted, devised, filmed and edited all five films themselves which will contribute to the students’ final-year marks. All productions are turned into an awareness film, to be used as an educational or training tool for the police and specialists, and to promote awareness of the Barriers to Reporting Hate Crime.

An awards evening has also been organised on Thursday, February 8, in the Sir Tom Cowie Lecture Theatre, St Peter’s Campus, to announce the winning film. Hosted by Dr Adelle Hulsmeier, Senior Lecturer in Performing Arts and Programme Leader for Screen Performance, with the awards presented by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Kim McGuinness.

Dr Hulsmeier said: “This is the 11th year of working with Northumbria Police, and we are so grateful to PCC Kim McGuinness for her continued support and belief in this work. We are also grateful for the support from partners and professionals in realising and progressing our understanding of this year's theme. 

“Northumbria Police, the PCC's Office and Connected Voice have been amazing in helping the students realise this work. The students are currently in the throws of creating five new films addressing the issue of Barriers to Reporting Hate Crime, and they always make us burst with pride at their professional approach, maturity and tenacity. We can't wait to showcase some great films in February.” 

Nicholas Glean, Senior Lecturer in Video and New Media, said: “Our students are immersed in creating five films examining Barriers to Reporting Hate Crime. These films showcase their cinematic talent, artistic maturity, and determination. We sincerely appreciate Northumbria Police, the PCC's Office, Connected Voice, and PCC Kim McGuiness's unwavering support. We are grateful to partner professionals and experts for enriching our understanding. We eagerly await the February showcase, where these remarkable works will be spotlighted, demonstrating the students' hard work and creativity in exploring this critical issue.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Year on year Sunderland students have shone a light on a range of important issues and I am pleased to see hate making the programme as tackling hate crime is certainly up there as a top policing priority. I’ve no doubt this year’s students will do a terrific job in bringing to life some very real experiences people face – experiences they should never have to face at all. 

“The finished products will be very useful tools for Northumbria Police for educating people around hateful attitudes and behaviours and I hope the screenplays will encourage reporting too – we all need to stand up to hate.”

To book a place at the awards evening, click the Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/annual-police-awards-tickets-763342336477?aff=oddtdtcreator