Leeds Met graduate seeks backing to fund film

Rob, who graduated from Leeds Met in 2004 with a degree in Film and TV Production, is seeking £15,000 via crowdfunding website Kickstarter, to finance the film's post-production finishing touches including the sound-mixing and visual effects.

Kickstarter - recently successfully used by famous directors Zach Braff and Spike Lee - gives creative projects in need of a cash injection an online platform to garner public funding within an allocated timeframe. If the target amount is met by the deadline the project creator receives the public's pledged cash.

Rob, who wrote and directed urban thriller SIXTEEN which was filmed over 18 days in April this year, said: "We have until July 31 to reach our Kickstarter goal and to achieve it would be an absolute dream. We are so thankful to those who have already pledged their support, and just hope that the public continue to do so, so we can finish this British film project that we are all so proud of. We want to submit it as soon as possible to international film festivals and get it distributed, but we won't be able to do this without the public's backing and help."

The film's script was chosen from 400 entries to be performed at the BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Forum at Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2011.It follows the story of schoolboy Jumah, who - just two-days from turning 16 - wants to leave his violent past behind him.

Speaking about the plot, Rob added: "Jumah's life seems to be progressing for the better until one night he witnesses a stabbing. Those involved want to ensure that he says nothing to the police and as pressure mounts, violence forces its way back into his life."

Rob's award nominations include European Competition at Brest European Short Film Festival, Best Newcomer at Rushes Soho Shorts and the BBC New Filmmakers Award. He was selected for the Berlinale Talent Campus in 2007. He was also chosen for the Edinburgh Film Festival Trailblazers and British Film Institute, Think Shoot Distribute programmes in 2008. His short film Silent Things received its international premiere at the 40th International Film Festival Rotterdam in February 2011, where it won the New Arrivals jury award.

To pledge your support to SIXTEEN, visit Rob's Kickstarter campaign page here: http://kck.st/19NZ4Tg