Savera UK Youth produced an interactive film called #StopTheWedding to raise awareness of the issue of forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM) and ‘honour’-based abuse in the UK.
The interactive film follows the story of 16-year-old Hanna, whose parents were preparing for her to marry, even though she didn’t want to. She is of a legal age to marry, but not old enough to marry someone of her own choice in the eyes of her family. Unable to speak out, she turns to social media to share her feelings.
Savera UK Youth members invited people to follow Hanna’s story through an Instagram account called @trapptbride, which allowed people online to follow her fears and emotions in the run up to her wedding – set for the same day as the Savera UK Youth Conference.
The conference served as the finale to Hanna’s story, with young people being invited to attend or participate over social media to help Hanna escape and #StopTheWedding, with the hashtag enabling people across the country to join the conversation.
The film not only conveyed a powerful message, it also allowed Savera UK Youth members to develop their writing, digital and camera skills.
Here is the trailer for the #StopTheWedding film: