A FILM depicting and highlighting the plight of marginalised communities is to be shot in Bournemouth.

“The Flight of the Manakins”, a film to be produced by a collaboration of students from both Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth, is to be shot on the Dorset coast this year.

The film follows the protagonist Hugo, a Manakin Bird-Human hybrid and part of the 'Manakind Tribe'. This tribe co-exists amongst humans; however, they are looked down upon and treated like second-class citizens.

Director Jacob Trup said: “We conceptualised this idea because we knew we wanted to make a film which would shock people.

“Most of our team have come from backgrounds who have fought for their rights to prosper in their countries and practice their culture. Therefore, we wanted to tell our stories through the life of Hugo.

“For me, coming from a Jewish background in London, my grandparents and other relatives had been dealt very harsh starts to life, such as not being able to buy property because 'people wouldn't sell to Jews'.

“For Camila, our Producer, growing up in Bolivia, a lot of freedom of speech has been quashed and people do not have the rights they should be entitled to.”

Jacob, who has worked on three projects previously, wanted to make something which highlighted the inequalities we face in society.

Jacob added: “I think the common misconception about filmmakers, is that people think we are required to make films which go about changing society for the better.

“We've already seen the impact of TimesUp and #MeToo, and how it's changed the industry, but the point it, filmmakers don't have to make these films.

“We make films like these because we truly believe that we can change people perceptions and outlooks of life.”

The film crew have been liaising with Bournemouth enterprises to decide how best to use the natural scenery and local businesses in their piece.

The group have already profited from help from the community, who have helped provide them with locations and resources

Having assembled a team of 11 individuals from both Bournemouth based universities, Jacob is looking forward to getting started.

“For me, a film cannot be done to its best ability without the work of a great team surrounding you,” said Jacob.

He added: “Together with Camila and our excellent teams in Camera, Hair and Makeup and Sound, I have found a team which I can really trust and want to spend time with.”

“It is with this that I am confident this film will be executed in our desired way.”

The team are currently crowdfunding to be able to finance their film and are looking for the support of individuals and business to bring their project to life.

To donate, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-flight-of-the-manakins.