A HARD-hitting film tackling bullying, racism and knife crime, shot by young people, will get its premiere in Nelson tomorrow night.

Professional film-makers have been drafted in to ensure that ‘Missed Opportunity’, which also deals with alcohol abuse and anti-social behaviour, had a cinematic feel.

Around 20 young people were involved in the 15-certificate production, which will be aired for the first time at the ACE Centre in Cross Street and it may be rolled out to schools.

Under the umbrella of ‘Arts For Our Sake’, a scheme funded by Lancashire Police and the county council’s youth service, the organisers enlisted the help of Barnoldswick-based The Reverb Factory to pass on film-making techniques.

Andrew Gilmour, of The Reverb Factory, said: “The whole experience has proved to be a very challenging, yet rewarding one for the group.

“Having never acted in a film before, their confidence grew throughout the filming process and they should be proud of their performances and achievements.” Many of the cast were acting novices and director Bryan Fieldhouse, from the company, who wrote and directed the piece, was impressed by their adaptability.

He said: “We wanted to really push the boundaries with this project, choosing to shoot it all in high definition, and using professional film-making techniques.

“This, matched with 100 per cent effort from everyone involved, has given the film the look and feel it deserved.”

The young people persuaded family, friends and even local police to become involved in the production.

For the film’s soundtrack, a number of Pendle bands were able to contribute to the finished article.

Local musician Sam Hird reworked his track ‘Forgotten’ for the closing credits and the works of Revolva Head, Effluence and Michael Slevin are used to build the tension for Missed Opportunity.

The Nelson premiere is being followed by a repeat performance at the Rainhall Centre in Barnoldswick on Friday, August 6, from 7pm.