MTV to screen harrowing film on Sophie Lancaster's final moments (From Lancashire Telegraph)

MTV to screen harrowing film on Sophie Lancaster's final moments

9:30pm Friday 20th November 2009

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A CHILLING film showing the final moments of an East Lancashire student is set to get an international premiere.

MTV will show Sophie: A Dark Angel, in memory of former Haslingden High pupil Sophie Lancaster, which has been made by the foundation launched in her name to combat intolerance.

And as the sun goes down in Manchester’s Cathedral Gardens on Thursday, the two-minute piece will be shown on a loop, via a giant projection, on what would have been her 23rd birthday.

Sophie, 20, lost her life after she was attacked, along with her boyfriend Robert Maltby, in Bacup’s Stubbylee Park.

The pair were targeted by young thugs because of their alternative style of dress.

Since her death, Sophie’s mother Sylvia has been behind a concerted campaign, seeking tolerance for sub-cultures.

Animated footage recreates the young couple’s walk through the park, and a track called Roads donated free by Portishead underscores the atmospheric production.

The film, the latest stage in the foundation’s crusade, has come through a collaboration with cosmetics firm Illamasqua, which launched a fundraising range inspired by Sophie’s sense of style.

Simultaneously the two-minute film will air internationally on MTV.

Sophie’s mum, Sylvia said: “The film is a chilling and dramatic reminder of how prejudice, hatred and intolerance can destroy lives.

“It has been created as a reminder to all people to stop, and think twice, before judging, insulting, abusing or attacking someone – purely based on how they look.”

The foundation SOPHIE stands for Stamping Out Prejudice, Hatred and Intolerance Everywhere and has generated a groundswell of support from the goth and alternative sub-cultures.

The cosmetics firm, which sells black SOPHIE eye pencils and the charity’s wristbands, will also suspend online trading for a day to promote the film on its website, www.illamasqua.com.

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