Mansfield students take centre stage in powerful anti-radicalisation film project

When representatives from Godolphin Communications first visited West Nottinghamshire College in December 2025, they introduced students to an ambitious project designed to challenge violent extremism, build resilience, and raise awareness of how harmful ideologies form, spread and influence individuals – particularly young people.

In March, the college’s creative arts department welcomed back Giles Bancroft and Rob Gould from Godolphin Communications to begin filming the professionally supported production, which is being delivered in partnership with Mansfield District Council and Ashfield District Council. The project has received funding approval through the Home Office and is supported by the local Prevent teams.

The short film focuses on the story of Frank, a young man who becomes drawn into far-right extremism through online manipulation. His growing radicalisation begins to fracture friendships and damage the lives of those around him, highlighting the personal and social consequences of extremist influence.

Rather than simply observing, students are involved at every stage of the filmmaking process, including acting and performance, camera operation and filming, sound and lighting and script development and pre-production planning.

Following the initial December session when groups met Giles and Rob from Godolphin Communications, students selected their preferred production roles. Acting students submitted audition tapes, which were reviewed by the production team before final casting decisions were made.

Media students took on key technical roles including camera operation and clapper loading, while hair and beauty students supported the production with professional make-up services. Others captured behind-the-scenes content, documenting the journey from concept to screen.

Students taking the main parts are Aayla Boughton – playing the part of Ellie, Luca Turner played Nav, Ethan Gascoigne played the character Tom, Leo Hoare took the role of James and the main role – Frank – was played by Liam Hardy.

Filming took place over three days across the college’s Derby Road campus and in local Mansfield locations, using real environments to ground the story in the community it represents. The film is expected to be shared with the councils after Easter, with a local launch event supported by the councils and the college taking place in the coming weeks.

Giles Bancroft of Godolphin Communications said: “Since first meeting the students we’ve worked closely with them to develop the storyline and shape the production. The project was commissioned to highlight the threat of online radicalisation and manipulation by far-right extremists. We presented initial ideas, but the students have developed those ideas, helped craft the dialogue and brought authenticity to the story.

“It’s been vital that the film reflects the local area and the age group it’s aimed at. Radicalisation doesn’t just harm the individual – it damages friendships, families and entire communities. This film shows that impact in a relatable, powerful way.”

The college’s head of creative and digital Kerry Pilcher said: “We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with both Ashfield and Mansfield district councils and the production company on creating what will be a really great resource.

“This type of professional work is so incredibly valuable for our students and something that we pride ourselves on being able to offer students here at West Notts.”

Performing arts student Liam Hardy, who plays the lead role of Frank, said: “Playing the role of Frank was extremely exciting for me. From auditioning for the role, to getting it, to playing the role was such an amazing and unique journey."

The finished film will support the Prevent campaign locally, with partners exploring opportunities for wider educational use.