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Latest News » Young people's rights put under the spotlight
July 2009
A film on young people's rights produced, directed and edited by an Oxford teenager will have its grand premiere on Wednesday, July 22, at the city's Phoenix Picture House.
Karim Khan's film, Turn It Up! aims to change negative attitudes towards young people and promote the role they can have in decision making.
It features several projects aimed at ensuring that children and young people's views are taken seriously. This include the Young People's Executive (YiPpEe), a group of children and young people from Oxford hospitals, and the Children in Care Council, which comprises of children and young people who are in the care of Oxfordshire County Council.
The Children in Care Council makes sure its representatives' voices are heard when decisions are being made about their lives.
Mr Khan, 15, was commissioned by Oxfordshire County Council's Participation and Play Team to make the 20-minute film, after approaching them with his idea.
Turn It Up! will be shown at the Walton Street cinema from 4pm as part of Summerscreen, an initiative by Film Oxford.
The film was hatched as part of www.bigvoice.oxfordshire.com, a county council co-ordinated website that champions children and young people's rights.
Positive experience
Mr Khan, who is the deputy member of the Youth Parliament for Oxford City, said: "I know how important it is for children and young people to be aware of their rights, so that's why I decided to make a film.
"I have really enjoyed my experience directing, producing and editing the film. As well as learning advanced filmmaking skills, I have also developed an understanding of the different ways children and young people are involved in decision making in Oxfordshire.
"There is so much negative press which seems to demonise young people, but I hope that this film will go some way to changing that as it shows young people having a positive impact on decision making. We want to make this film noticeable and accessible to schools, young people and decision makers."
Changing people's perceptions
Councillor Louise Chapman, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: "Karim's film is an excellent example of getting children and young people's rights heard in Oxfordshire. I congratulate him on his brilliant achievement.
"I hope that it will go some way to changing people's often negative perceptions of children and young people."
Go to www.bigvoiceoxfordshire.com for more information about the Big Voice initiative.
Press representatives are welcome to attend the premiere of Turn It Up! at the Phoenix Picture House, Walton Street, Oxford, on Wednesday, July 22, from 3pm. County council officers involved in the project and Karim Khan, the film's producer, director and editor, will be available from 3pm for interviews before the film's screening at 4pm.
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