Latest news with #DebbieSweeney
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Trans community praised for bravery in new film
Film-makers have praised the bravery of the trans community in Cumbria for sharing their experiences in a new documentary. I ME US chronicles the stories of those living in the county who are transgender, non-binary or gender non-conforming. Mason, who features in the film, which is being screened locally in July and August, described how his family struggled with his decision to transition only for his brother to then offer him some shirts in support. "If just one person can see the film and feel more comfortable, or happy in themselves, then I've done enough," he said. Producer Debbie Sweeney, from Carlisle-based Eden Film, said there was "a lot of prejudice" which made it difficult for some people to "fit in", adding that Cumbria has "a lot of keyboard warriors". Mrs Sweeney, who previously worked as a college lecturer, said she found that LGBTQ+ students would often want to move to bigger cities because they could find a "sense of belonging" there, and not feel so visible. "Somewhere like Cumbria, there's a lot of prejudice and they maybe find it hard to fit in, so it's nice that we can produce a film like this," she said. Director Paddy Sweeney said those who took part had been brave to tell their stories on camera so candidly. He said they had filmed with someone who then called to drop out of the project around the time of President Trump's inauguration. Mr Sweeney said the participant was worried about "having their face out there", and the repercussions it may have for his job. The film is part of a heritage lottery-funded project, which was commissioned by Pride in North Cumbria (PINC) LGBT+ Youth. It is being screened for free in venues across Cumbria over July and August, including Rheged cinema in Penrith and Tullie in Carlisle. Producer and project manager at PINC, Pam Eland, said they wanted to take a snapshot of community "to get their voices heard out there". She added they were looking to organise showings of the "emotional" film worldwide. Follow BBC Cumbria on X and Facebook and both on Nextdoor and Instagram. North East welcomes a summer of Pride celebrations 'I'm as old as Cumbria Pride and I can't wait to go' Town celebrates first ever Pride festival Pride in North Cumbria
BBC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Cumbria's trans community praised for bravery in new film
Film-makers have praised the bravery of the trans community in Cumbria for sharing their experiences in a new documentary.I ME US chronicles the stories of those living in the county who are transgender, non-binary or gender who features in the film, which is being screened locally in July and August, described how his family struggled with his decision to transition only for his brother to then offer him some shirts in support."If just one person can see the film and feel more comfortable, or happy in themselves, then I've done enough," he said. Producer Debbie Sweeney, from Carlisle-based Eden Film, said there was "a lot of prejudice" which made it difficult for some people to "fit in", adding that Cumbria has "a lot of keyboard warriors".Mrs Sweeney, who previously worked as a college lecturer, said she found that LGBTQ+ students would often want to move to bigger cities because they could find a "sense of belonging" there, and not feel so visible."Somewhere like Cumbria, there's a lot of prejudice and they maybe find it hard to fit in, so it's nice that we can produce a film like this," she said. 'Emotional film' Director Paddy Sweeney said those who took part had been brave to tell their stories on camera so said they had filmed with someone who then called to drop out of the project around the time of President Trump's Sweeney said the participant was worried about "having their face out there", and the repercussions it may have for his film is part of a heritage lottery-funded project, which was commissioned by Pride in North Cumbria (PINC) LGBT+ is being screened for free in venues across Cumbria over July and August, including Rheged cinema in Penrith and Tullie in and project manager at PINC, Pam Eland, said they wanted to take a snapshot of community "to get their voices heard out there".She added they were looking to organise showings of the "emotional" film worldwide. Follow BBC Cumbria on X and Facebook and both on Nextdoor and Instagram.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
‘Star in the making' jockey dies aged 18 in motorbike crash as two others rushed to hospital
A TEENAGE jockey has tragically died in a horrific dirtbike accident in New Zealand. Ngakau Hailey, 18, was killed in a collision with a car in Hamilton on Wednesday. 2 2 Hailey was rushed to hospital with critical injuries following the clash, which happened at around 3.25pm local time on the intersection of Willoughby and Mill Street in Whitiora. However, he later died of his injuries in hospital. Two more young people who were in the car were also taken to hospital with moderate injuries, according to local reports. Hailey had ridden Billy Lincoln to victory at Pukekohe in April 2024. Hailey's employer, Debbie Sweeney, told that the promising jockey would be a "massive" loss to the racing community. David Ellis of Te Akau Racing described him as a "super young man" to the publication. He added: "The sky was ahead of him." A Givealittle page dedicated to Hailey to support his family had reached just shy of $20,000 in donations from 240 generous donors on Thursday morning. The page reads: "A naturally gifted young man with a bright future taken away from us so soon. "These funds will go to his family to provide the service for his funeral, please spare what you can to help."
