School pupil puts mirror up to painful world of bullying

Hannah was only 14 when she saw a Bradford Youth Service advert encouraging grant applications from teenagers for projects with ‘community impact’.

She came up with an idea looking at the issue of positive body images among teenagers which eventually became a short film, The Broken Mirror, and apoem about bullying.

Hannah, of Oxenhope, near Keighley, received a £1,600 grant to produce her film. She co-directs and plays a part in the film alongside school friends.

She already had contacts in theatre circles through acting work and managed to get expert help with movement choreography (Lucy Hind) and musical direction (Emma Louise White).

Her mother, Erin, said the finished film had been well received.

“The film has been shown in the school assembly and four other schools have said they want to show it. The film looks at why the bully does what he does. All bullies long to be loved and be happy. There is a message for everybody in this film.”

She is proud of her daughter’s achievement but added: “She talented - and humble and grounded.”

The film has been downloaded to YouTube and will receive a premiere at Keighley Picture House on December 8.

Hannah, a pupil at Holy Family School in Keighley, said: “It started off as idea about body image and self-confidence which led into bullying, which affects everyone in some way even if you are not a bully or a victim.

“It was shown in front of the whole school this morning. There was a positive response from the majority of people.

“Lots of people were asking questions and it was good that people could talk about the issue.”

The film project’s success has got Hannah thinking about her next move.

“I am definitely keen to write more and create more projects - as long as I get funding,” she joked.