Hard-hitting film targets drug-driving
The tragic consequences of misusing nitrous oxide have been laid bare in a hard-hitting film produced by Media and Communication students at the University of Leeds.
The film is part of a drug-driving awareness campaign involving local emergency services and supported by the University’s Community Projects Programme, which launched at The Point in Harehills, Leeds.
It was produced as a starting point to raise awareness and prompt discussions associated with the misuse of nitrous oxide after a report from a grassroots charity, Junior Sports Hub, reported a rise in young people inhaling the gas, commonly known as laughing gas.
Junior Sports Hub, which provides sports activities, youth groups and community services to the people of Harehills, identified drug-driving as a growing concern through its work with young people and families in the community.
A film made by students for a younger audience, has real potential to cut through in many ways that more traditional campaigns sometimes struggle with.
Kamran Khan, Trustee for Junior Sports Hub, said: “The issue of drug-driving is not only under-discussed compared to drink-driving, but it has devastating and often hidden impacts on families, young people and wider road safety.
“A film made by students for a younger audience has real potential to cut through in ways that more traditional campaigns sometimes struggle with. It could help us start conversations, raise awareness and ultimately prevent harm in our communities.”
Chris Bowie, who works within the Social Impact Team for the University’s Sustainability Service, collaborates with university staff and students, community representatives, schools, local organisations and businesses to promote positive civic engagement and enhance student experience.
He approached the School of Media and Communication and seven students stepped forward including Luna Berger, writer and director; Minh Hanh Nguyen, producer; Josh Bell, director of photography; Aysha Zaman, production designer; Bethany Wood, BTS documentarian and Qiahe Guo and Yiming Yang, production sound mixers.
They produced a six-and-a-half minute drama and an accompanying behind-the-scenes documentary, which formed part of their final dissertation.
The film tells the story of two brothers whose lives change forever after being involved in a road accident following the inhalation of nitrous oxide.
The film’s tagline reads: “A quiet teenage boy stands by as his brother makes a reckless, drug-fuelled choice, but when tragedy strikes, one of them is left to grapple with the consequences while their Grandma mourns the brothers in different ways.”
West Yorkshire Police and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust collaborated with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in key coordinating roles to create a realistic crash scene in Coal Road in North East Leeds.
Students Luna Berger, the writer-director, and Josh Bell, director of photography, consulted with the emergency services to ensure the mocked-up crash and its aftermath was portrayed as true to life as possible.
“This hard-hitting and graphic film took a lot of planning as it had to be worked out how the vehicles crashed, what was the point of impact, what injuries would arise out of that impact, and how those injuries were treated,” said Chris.
“All the emergency services were just incredible and we greatly appreciate the time and resources they contributed to the project among capacity pressures.”
A casting call was distributed through community and arts organisations to find a cast that was true to the characters and representative of the Harehills community. For several actors, this was their first paid professional acting experience.
Benny Asante, who played Jayden – a friend of the brothers in the film, is a member of the Rebel Roots Theatre Company, a Leeds-based organisation dedicated to supporting and developing emerging artists with a focus on working class voices.
Benny said: “My overall acting confidence has improved and I feel like this has been a great experience both on and off set. I honestly don’t think I could have asked for more, especially with this being my first screen acting performance.”
The role of Grandma was played by East Leeds resident actor Preethi Manuel.
Chris explained the complex project involved many partners including Leeds City Council with support from Coun Salma Arif, a councillor for Harehills and Gipton.
The filming took place over four days at locations including a suite at the Leeds Institute of Medical Education, showing how medical staff deal with severe injuries.
The project pushed me outside my comfort zone, as it presented me with many complex challenges that I would not have come across in standard academic coursework.
Aysha Zaman, Casting and Art Director, said: “Working on this project truly improved my ability to work in a team and adapt to any situation arising on film sets as I consistently kept strong communication between cast members, crew and partner organisations and adapted my work as production designer to suit the director’s vision.”
Minh Hanh Nguyen, Director, said: “The project pushed me outside my comfort zone, as it presented many complex challenges that I would not have come across in standard academic coursework.
“Moreover, I enjoyed connecting with new people to understand their perspectives on the story’s theme, which was great for building a sense of community between the university and Leeds locals. It was a truly valuable experience for my professional growth.”
Firefighter Shabs Khan, who helped coordinate the emergency service's involvement in the project said, "As first responders, it's really important for us to come together and work with the community to raise awareness of the risks and consequences of drug-driving.
“This project, working with our colleagues in the police and ambulance services and the University is helping to prevent tragic incidents from happening.”
Alison Lowe OBE, Chair of the West Yorkshire Vision Zero Board and Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said: “Our aim is to reduce all road deaths and serious injuries in the county to zero by 2040.
“Safe behaviour is a key part of that and tackling driving under the influence, such as using nitrous oxide, is a priority.
“This video captures some of the very real consequences and I hope that it makes anyone tempted to think again.”
Anyone in Leeds worried about their drug or alcohol use can get free, confidential advice and support from Forward Leeds by contacting them at info@forwardleeds.co.uk or by phone on 0113 887 2477.
Further information
Please contact Jane Lewis in the University of Leeds press office at j.lewis3@leeds.ac.uk.
Watch the Nitrous Oxide Dangers Video on YouTube.
Statistics about drug-driving:
- 134 fatalities involved drug-impaired drivers in 2023. (Reported road casualties Great Britain, annual report: 2023, Department for Transport)
- 2,893 casualties linked to drug-driving crashes in 2023. (Reported road casualties Great Britain, annual report: 2023, Department for Transport)
- 28% of 16–24-year-olds admit to driving under the influence or being a passenger with a drug-impaired driver. (Brake)
- Nitrous oxide misuse is also prevalent among young people, 4.2% of 16–24-year-olds reported using nitrous oxide in the past year. (Drug misuse in England and Wales: year ending March 2023, Office for National Statistics)
Main image: Emergency services put a neck brace on the victim of a crash resulting from drug-driving in a film shot by Leeds students. Credit: Linus Beecroft.
