Harry surprises film premiere with message

The Duke of Sussex surprised film fans with a message before the premiere of a movie produced by a number of youth projects in Nottingham.

The video was played ahead of the first screening of "To Those Who..." - a film about growing up in the inner-city around peer pressure and knife crime.

In the clip, Prince Harry apologised for not being able to attend the event, but said the movie was another demonstration of the "creativity and talent that exists among Nottingham's young people".

The film has been produced by a group of local organisations, some of which have been supported by the prince for more than a decade.

According to Take 1 Studios, the film examines how limited choices, economic strain and loyalty to friends can collide with ambition, discipline and the desire for a better life.

It has been developed as an educational resource, and will be shown in schools, youth services and community settings.

"To Those Who... tells a story that for many of you, may feel painfully close to home," he said.

"It shows how quickly choices can narrow under pressure and how easily potential can be lost when young people can be left without the support they deserve.

"But tonight is not just about the challenges, it's about potential, community, and what becomes possible when young people are seen, heard, and believed in.

"To every young person here tonight, your story, your voice, and your future matter."

The film, which features a cast of both new and semi-professional actors, has been funded by Take 1 Studios and developed with the support from Nottinghamshire Police, Community Recording Studio (CRS), The Pheasants at Radford Football Club and Broadway Cinema Nottingham, where the premiere was held on Thursday.

CRS was one of the main beneficiaries after Prince Harry donated £1.1m to BBC Children in Need in 2025.

The money was donated to fund the Music Mentors Programme between CRS and Epic Partners, and to help rebuild the community studio's building.

In his video, Prince Harry said the film highlights why grassroots organisations "matter so deeply".

"Our vision isn't just to rebuild a roof, it's to create a state-of-the-art long-term space where young people can create, connect and thrive for generations to come," he said.

"We're making progress, but no single organisation can solve these challenges alone."

Prince Harry also called on local organisations, businesses, funders and leaders to help the project and "back the young people leading this work".

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