University of Leicester Film Wins Prestigious Learning On Screen Award | News

The University of Leicester’s Center for Hate Studies has won a Learning On Screen 2024 award for its short film, Hate damage review.

A decade after the original film, Hate damage review features the voices of people commonly thought of as members of “hard to reach” or, perhaps more pertinently, “easy to ignore” groups.

Four victims from very different backgrounds and walks of life share their experiences of hate and harassment and explore how they have been affected by the events of an extraordinary decade.

Hate crime has escalated over the past ten years, with hostile attitudes, divisive politics, online toxicity and continued cuts to services all reinforcing the huge challenges facing those who are targeted simply because of who they are or how they look .

The film identifies a number of steps we can all take to mitigate the damage of hate. In doing so, the film gives voice to the “voiceless” and highlights the crucial role we can all play in making the world a better and less hostile place.

Hate damage review, which won the Educational Film (in-house) category, was produced by Professor Neil Chakraborti, Co-Director of the Center for Hate Studies and Director of the Policy Institute. It was made in partnership with the University of Leicester video team and supported by funding from the Leverhulme Trust. The film premiered at the Phoenix Cinema, Leicester in November 2023.

The University of Leicester’s Center for Hate Studies is renowned for its world-leading research into the issues of hate crime, harassment and hostility.

More information about the Center for Hate Studies can be found here.

Professor Chakraborti said: “It’s been heartening to see the impact this film has had in such a short amount of time, especially in a climate that feels increasingly volatile, tense and hostile.

“This prestigious award is a testament to the wonderful creative team at the University of Leicester who helped produce the film, and to an inspirational group of filmmakers who shared their harrowing experiences on camera to raise awareness .

“There is so much we can all learn from their stories and insights, and I would urge anyone and everyone to take 15 minutes out of their day to watch this film.”

The Learning on Screen Awards have showcased the best educational film and television since 2005. Learning on Screen is a charity that provides an extensive archive of television and radio programs that can be easily accessed for learning, teaching and research.

More information about Learning on Screen can be found here.