Blackburn film set for premiere

Shadsworth residents will make their big debut at the launch of a new short film next week

Blackburn residents are invited to the premiere of new film ‘Landsharks’ on Thursday, April 5^th at The Bureau Centre for Arts.

‘Landsharks’ is a short 15 minute film which raises awareness of the dangers of loan sharks and stars residents from Shadsworth.

It follows the life of a young teenage boy called AJ whose mum is struggling to make ends meet. The film shows AJ falling in with the wrong crowd and turning to a loan shark for money.

The Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) worked with Blackburn with Darwen Council, Great Places Housing Group, Newground and award-winning Blackburn Filmmaker Aaron Dunleavy to create the film.

Dominic Harrison, Director of Public Health at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said:

I really welcome this film and I am delighted it has been made in Blackburn. The recent report from the Royal Society of Public Health shows the strong interconnections between poor mental health and debt.

The RSPH report echoes the advice given in this film – borrowing money from Loansharks and Payday loan companies appear most likely to pose a risk to mental wellbeing. The more informed we all are about the risks and benefits of different kinds of loans the better”

Tony Quigley, Head of the Illegal Money Lending Team, said:

We would like to thank our partners and the talented residents from Shadsworth for helping us to produce this film.

Landsharks shows the detrimental impact that loan sharks can have on the lives of their victims and helps to reinforce our message that these unscrupulous lenders should be avoided at all costs.

We would urge anyone who have been the victim of a loan shark to call us in confidence on 0300 555 2222. For more information and to report a loan shark online, visit www.stoploansharks.uk”

Louise Ramsay, Community Development Coordinator at Great Places Housing Group, said:

Great Places is proud to be involved in this project, which draws attention to the real dangers of illegal money lending and the impact that loan sharks can have on the lives of real families.

We hope that through taking a creative approach, the film’s powerful message will encourage people to learn more about this issue, report those operating illegally, and make use of the fantastic resources available that offer safe and affordable loans, such as local credit unions.”

The film premiere for ‘Landsharks’ is set to take place on Thursday, April 5^th at The Bureau Centre for Arts, Victoria Street, BB1 6DW.

The event, which will from 12pm until 2pm, will include a screening of ‘Landsharks’ for adults and a shark-themed art and craft session for children.

Guests will also be provided with a free lunch and there will be an opportunity to get benefits, debt and financial advice at the event.

To book your free tickets to this event, email louise.ramsay@greatplaces.org.uk or register on Eventbrite www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/17007833242