Locally made film tells a story about gun violence

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – A short film shot in Youngstown has been released telling the story of how gun violence escalates and how it can be avoided.

The film produced by the Boys and Girls Clubs and OK, Inc.’s Friends4Friends campaign is titled “Gang and Gun Violence – Time to Make a Change.” It tells the story of a feud between two young men and the guns involved.

Director Jay Brownlee said he met with young adults at the Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center to understand more about the topic.

“I actually met with the Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center with two students down there that had gun charges and they kind of filled me in. I learned a lot,” said Brownlee.

“It’s definitely a realistic scenario that can happen in any neighborhood but especially Youngstown,” said Tacobie Mitchell.

Tacobie Mitchell works at The Boys and Girls Club. He played a villain who gets arrested. Mitchell said he has never been personally involved in a gun violence incident.

“But I have lost friends and family members to gun violence so I’m very passionate about the topic,” Mitchell said.

The film points out the main reason young men carry guns is to impress girls.

“A lot of guys nowadays, they feel like they need a certain weapon to feel like more of a man,” said Mitchell.

The film also shows how many feuds escalate because of social media chatter.

“Social media plays a big part of how situations and scenarios happen in this community,” Mitchell said.

The film ends with the main character turning his life around and graduating from high school.

“So I just want the video to bring light to the fact that you can be whatever you want to be no matter your circumstances or your situations. You don’t have to fit in with the odd group. You can be the different person that makes a difference in the world,” said Mitchell.

“Gang and Gun Violence – Time to Make a Change” can be viewed on YouTube.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.