Mary Martins

Something More (trailer) is an experimental animated documentary that explores the causes of youth violence, and more specifically the impact of knife crime in London. Through the lens of a mother raising her 8 year old son in South East London, the film combines a variety of perspectives and stories from those that have been connected to the issue. The documentary engages with the epidemic on a deeper level. It endeavours to ignite further conversations that question both the criminal justice system and the current political climate, all of which point to youth knife crime as a symptom of a wider societal problem.

According to the cultural theorist, Mark Fisher (11 July 1968 – 13 January 2017), the quotation “it is easier to imagine an end to the world than an end to capitalism,” attributed to both Fredric Jameson and Slavoj Žižek, encompasses the essence of his book, Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative? (2009) Fisher points to areas such as climate change, mental health, and bureaucracy that can be highlighted to show the weaknesses and gaps in capitalist realism. 

Architectural spaces are cultural landscapes, but the evolution of London through gentrification is erasing this and deepening class division, placing greater emphasis on the increasing level of poverty. Working class areas are becoming more unaffordable for those that have always lived there. Although the London Borough of Hackney’s housing during the 1990s and 2000s was connected with deep poverty, structural decline, anti-social behaviour and other socio-economic problems, it was, however intertwined with a sense of community spirit.

Regeneration has pushed forward a socio-economic and cultural shift in many other parts of London such as Brixton and Woolwich. Regeneration in many London Boroughs are having a negative impact on existing the younger generation that are struggling to co-exist in these areas. Councils are no longer investing in community centres and existing centres are struggling to remain open. 

Organisations such as, Art Against Knives, 4Front Project and Youth Futures are offering suppport to the local community, encouraging the younger generaration to learn skills that will provide them with a better future. 

The film was produced in consultation with the rehabilitation organisation, Key4Life; Bruce Houlder, a retired crown court judge and founder of Fighting Knife Crime London. Additional contributors include, Dr. Elaine Williams; lecturer in Criminology and youth worker at Power the Fight and current youth worker, Franklyn Addo.