Barbados Uses Storytelling To Tackle Youth Violence
A new film initiative is using storytelling and creativity to tackle youth violence while honoring the memory of a young life lost too soon.
Local filmmaker Kerri Birch has launched the project, called “Once Upon A Frame,” in tribute to 13-year-old Shawnathon Chase, who was fatally shot while watching a netball game at a community hard court in Silver Hill, Christ Church, last year.
Speaking at the launch, Birch said Shawnathon’s death represents what she described as a growing pattern of violence that is affecting communities, disrupting families, and placing an entire generation at risk.
She said the initiative is designed to give young people a positive outlet by transforming their ideas into films.
Developed in partnership with 13 Degrees North Productions and Shawnathon’s parents, Sean and Zabida Chase, the project will bring four youth-written stories to the screen.
Among them is “Kite Heist,” a story written by Shawnathon himself. Another production, “Intergalactic Pup,” will be created entirely using artificial intelligence, according to Birch.
The completed films are expected to air on state television and will also be submitted to international film festivals.
Birch said violence often flourishes in communities where young people feel overlooked, unheard, and lack meaningful opportunities.
She believes initiatives like “Once Upon A Frame” can help change that by replacing idleness with imagination, isolation with collaboration, and risk with purpose.
In addition to encouraging creativity, the programme will teach participants practical film production skills that could lead to future employment opportunities.
According to Birch, the initiative will receive support from corporate sponsors, and discussions are already underway with representatives from the ministry of innovation, industry, science and technology.
Birch ended her remarks with a call for greater national investment in young people.
She said the real question is not whether the country can afford to support programmes like this, but whether it can afford not to.