5th Mar 2020
A young and ambitious Abingdon & Witney College student has written and self-directed a series of short movies tackling problems in communities across the UK, such as bullying and knife crime.
Mollie spent just two days writing the script for her most recent film, called Trauma, two days filming, and a day editing the footage - she completed the self-set project in under a week.
Mollie said: “I like being involved in all parts of the process, from casting to editing the finished product”
The films have caught the eye of Thames Valley Police, who are set to screen the short series of films in local schools to educate young pupils on the effects of bullying and knife crime.
Mollie said:
“I’ve always liked writing and have a passion for acting, so filmmaking felt like a natural combination of those things”
Impressively, Mollie is self-taught in scriptwriting, filming and editing, and uses all her own equipment.
Through the Gateway programme, Mollie has been able to study at college despite only being 15.
“Being here has renewed my faith in learning and in people. The support from my tutors is amazing, they are so kind and trusting. It’s just a really nice place to be.”
“After I finish the Gateway programme, I want to stay here to study the Media BTEC, alongside filmmaking outside of college. I would love eventually to have a role with the police, helping them to make videos that highlight important issues in society” said Mollie.
The grand premier is set to be at Witney Cineworld at the end of March, with BBC Oxford covering the event. The film's cast, who have journey from as far as Leicestershire for the roles, family and friends will be there. Thames Valley Police will be at the event with information stands in the foyer.
There are also plans for Mollie and the police to come into the College to talk to current students.
Lisa Rideout, Curriculum Manager for Access to Learning said:
“Mollie came to us in September last year as a quiet individual, lacking in confidence and self-belief. Now, she’s blossomed into this fabulous and inspiring young girl, and we feel that everything she’s doing is her calling in life. We’re all so proud of her and having her films shown in the cinema with a huge audience, getting her message out there, is the least she deserves.”
