AS hopes grow for a Tyne-Wear derby based on passion rather than poison this weekend, a short film, Twelfth Man, has been released which captures the intense rivalry between the sets of supporters.

North-East film director Duane Hopkins was commissioned to produce a short piece to celebrate this year's World Cup in Brazil.

Mr Hopkins, from Newcastle-based Third Films, said he heard other filmmakers around the world were producing pieces examining the unity of football.

However, he added: "I though about how I could do something along those lines but subvert it in some way."

The filmmaker said he wanted to focus on the passion shown by fans before and after the game.

"That's at its peak when there's something at stake like a game that decides a championship or a derby between two rival clubs.

"At that points it becomes something to do with identity and tribalism.

"Something happens in the dynamic and people who would act normally in their everyday lives behave differently. Something is stripped away and you get that aggressive tribalism - it's very fascinating."

The director said he believed the behaviour was cathartic and a relief for those involved.

He said the film captured what he described as the "triangle of aggression" with the Newcastle and Sunderland fans separated by the police.

The footage was shot by around ten people, including Teesside University students, positioned at various places, including Newcastle railway station, in local pubs, the route taken by fans walking to St James' Park, and outside the ground.

The film follows a narrative of Newcastle supporters waiting outside the ground for Sunderland fans to arrive, the Sunderland fans arriving at the station and then making their way to the ground and then exchanging taunts with their rivals outside the stadium.

Mr Hopkins is currently finishing work on his second feature length film, Bypass.

The Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) has launched a campaign called “passion not poison” in a bid to maintain the derby atmosphere this Saturday, while removing the violence.

- Sunderland fans can stay on home turf for this weekend’s Tyne-Wear derby, with the club opening up the Stadium of Light to supporters.

The club has announced a range of hospitality packages available from 9am. These packages are priced at £7.50, £16.50 and £27.50 respectively. The match itself will be shown on screens inside the Stadium, with kick off taking place at 1.30pm.

Tickets for the NUFC screening at the Stadium of Light are limited and must be booked in advance by calling 0871-9111555 or emailing conf&banq@safc.com . More details are available at www.safc.com