A hard-hitting short film on the impact of knife crime premiered in Hendon on Sunday.

The 15-minute drama RIP: Revenge Is Pointless was directed by Finchley film-maker Paul Gweks and features first-time actors from the borough.

Almost 50 people turned out to the screening at The Midland Hotel, in Station Road, and Mr Gweks said the initial feedback has been positive.

The film explores the effects of knife crime through the eyes of the attacker and was filmed on location around the Basing Way estate, in Finchley.

Mr Gweks, who lives on the estate, funded the project himself and hopes it will have an impact on the audience.

He said: “It is seen from the perspective of the people who carry out the crime and looks at why they do it.

“I want the audience to get an understanding of what the thinking is of these young lads and look at their philosophy. It’s really powerful.

“People have lost touch with the youth and this is a good way of getting back to the real issue.”

One of the actors, Nelson Estevez, 17, of Grahame Park, said: “The film shows a lot about people’s lives and shows what many people in London are going through.

“The part really helped with the acting I want to do in the future. Hopefully we can work on another idea to teach people other lessons about their environment.”

Speaking about the premiere, Mr Gweks, 35, said: “It went really well and I was buzzing afterwards.”

He has approached national television channels with the film and is waiting to hear if they will broadcast it.

“I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I hope I can get some good money from it to put towards a bigger production.”