A NEW musical film made by talented youths and focusing on mental health issues has its local premiere next month.

Bright Lights saw the group pool their creative talents to raise awareness of self-harm and suicide, particularly among the area’s black and minority ethnic (BME) communities.

The film’s storyline revolves around four young people and their struggles with self-esteem, confidence, socialising and family issues.

None of the cast members, from across Teesside had any prior experience of acting, but their natural talents came to the fore during filming, and some of the team have already started work on their next project.

Edward Kunonga, director of public health for Middlesbrough Council said “Mental Health covers a broad spectrum of issues which may affect young people.

“Reducing the stigma of mental illness by bringing these issues to light is a great step towards helping other sufferers.”

The Bright Lights project was funded by the Tees Suicide Prevention Taskforce, with the screenplay first performed at the World Suicide Prevention Day in Stockton earlier this year.

The film will premiere at Tuned In in Majuba Road, Redcar, on Friday, December 6 from 4pm to 8pm and tickets are now available.

For more information or tickets, visit the Bright Lights website http://brightlightsproject.co.uk/