Global Academy Year 11s were joined by Leo Powell who created and produced the award-nominated film Step Back to find out more about some of the films’ issues including county lines, gang culture and knife crime.

Leo Powell is one of the UK’s leading County Lines trainers, demonstrating a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the area of gangs, grooming, exploitation and more. His most recent work is the production of ‘Step Back’.

STEP BACK was created and produced by Leo Powell and directed by Richard Kattah, CEO of Little Drops Production. Step Back stars Xavien Russell who featured in the hit series Top Boy 1&2 and also the multi award-winning comedienne Angie Le Mar – as well as our very own Year 11 student, Vanessa Sam. The film looks at the impact of knife crime and the importance of making the right choices. The film was a chance to visually demonstrate to our students that young people have choices (no matter what situations they find themselves in) and they have the power to shape their destinies through the choices that they make.

Leo spoke highly of his visit to Global Academy stating:

It was an absolute pleasure and joy to deliver the Step Back screening and workshop today to year 11’s at Global Academy. It was great to see their interaction, enthusiasm and laughter. There was something beautiful in the atmosphere today and I’m grateful that I got to meet these amazing young people. Thank you for having me.

Leo Powell

Take a look at the trailer for the video below: