University of Leicester film wins prestigious Learning On Screen Award

University of Leicester’s Centre for Hate Studies has won a Learning On Screen Award 2024 for its short film, Revisiting the Harms of Hate.

A decade on from the original film, Revisiting the Harms of Hate features the voices of people typically considered as members of ‘hard-to-reach’ groups, or perhaps more pertinently ‘easy to ignore’.

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 crimes have 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 what they look like.

The film identifies a series of steps that all of us can take to alleviate the harms of hate. In doing so, the film gives a voice to the 'voiceless' and highlights the crucial role that we all can play in making the world a kinder, less hostile place

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

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

Learn more about the Centre for Hate Studies.

Professor Chakraborti said: “It has been heart-warming to see the impact that this film has made in such a short space of time, particularly within a climate that feels increasingly volatile, tense and hostile.

“This prestigious award is testimony to the wonderful creative team at the University of Leicester who helped to produce the film, and to an inspirational set of film participants who shared their harrowing experiences on camera in order to raise wider awareness.

“There is so much that we can all learn from their stories and suggestions, and I'd urge anyone and everyone to take 15 minutes out of their day to give this film a watch.”

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

Find out more about Learning on Screen.