Launch of new film produced by Cumbrian film-makers on safety of women at night

We've launched a new film highlighting some of the sexual harassment that women face every day.

The film was shot in Cumbria by the company Film on the Brain, which is run by Mathew Wood and Giuseppe Abba, and directed by Em Humble - they all met whilst at school in Kendal.

It shows a young woman experiencing four separate incidents of sexual harassment during her day, with them increasing in severity.
 
The film is part of a campaign that Crimestoppers has been running in Cumbria for the last three months whch calls out the behaviours of those that make women and girls feel unsafe, and urges the public to report criminal incidents anonymously to us, as an independent charity - which you can do by calling free on 0800 555 111 or filling in our quick and easy online form, here on our website.
 
 
The funding for the campaign was provided following a successful bid by the Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, to the Home Office’s Safety of Women at Night (SWAN) Fund.
 
Gary Murray, Crimestoppers' North West Regional Manager, said: “The important messages of the campaign have reached a wide audience of both men and women, with over 100,000 people in Cumbria seeing our posts on social media and over 4,000 clicking for more information. We have also had a 16% increase in reporting on all crime in Cumbria, and I am sure this new film will be shared widely.
 
“Cumbria is one of the safest places in England - however, unfortunately many women do experience sexual harassment in its many forms, and many of those do not report it.
 
“The film and the campaign encourage victims to seek help and support from specialist Cumbrian agencies, and aims to increase anonymous reporting on those who commit crimes involving sexual harassment - and, importantly, make men question their behaviour towards women.
 
“I’d like to thank Film on the Brain – they are young, talented local filmmakers who have produced a very thoughtful and impactful piece of work that will not only be seen in Cumbria but throughout the country. The feedback that we have received so far has been very positive, and has already generated a lot of discussion.”
 
Giuseppe Abba of Film on the Brain, from Kendal, Cumbria, said: “Film on the Brain is a Northern production company, specialising in creative documentaries, promotional content and short-form narrative media. We started the company in 2018 and since then, have been very fortunate to work with a number of amazing clients on a variety of projects that contribute towards economic, creative and social growth in communities in the North.

“We’ve really valued our work with Crimestoppers, as it’s been an excellent opportunity to work on a project that aligns with our focus as a company. The entire process has been very collaborative, and it’s been a pleasure to work with Crimestoppers and our entire team to deliver this important message.”

Film Director Em Humble, said: “Working on this film was incredibly important to me. The discourse surrounding sexual harassment must shift to focus on those responsible for the crimes they commit, whilst providing support and solidarity with victims.”
 

Victims of sexual harassment should speak directly to the police, or seek help from the following organisations:

• The Bridgeway Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Penrith - 0808 118 6432
• Gateway 4 Women, Carlisle -  01228 212090
• Victim Support - independent charity in England & Wales that provides specialist practical and emotional support to victims and witnesses of crime - 08 08 16 89 111