A young Dumfries actor is co-directing a feature film to put the spotlight on many issues people face daily such as mental health, addiction and relationship breakdowns.
Twenty-six-year-old Jay Alexander-Ali and his team have been working on Dark Devices for the past two years.
He said: “This is my first feature film to co-direct and I find it challenging as there is a lot of work behind it.
“Our film covers important subjects and spreading awareness about the dangers young people face online with predators which will help to educate our audience.
“Many people stepped forward and shared their lived experiences with the writer, Kerry Clifton, allowing her to probe into some of their darkest moments in life.
“The modern day twist in this film will also give the real background behind the very controversial subject of online paedophile hunting teams.
“The writer has had access to learn everything involved and was able to speak to real hunters, so everything is a true version of events. Characters have been based on real people.”
Dark Devices was planned as a short film but was recently turned into a feature following the receipt of sponsorship.
Jay auditioned for the short film and, as the project expanded, so did his role.
He said: “Kerry already knew that I have done directing in the past and how passionate I was about the project so she gave me this opportunity.
“However, it would have been a lot of work to manage if I was to act and direct the whole film so I have asked if someone can help and she recommended Fraser McGowan who is now also a co-director.
“It was a funny story when we first met with him as I have asked where he was from and he said from Lockerbie, quite interesting how we live so close but our creative paths never crossed until now.”
The first part of the film is successfully finished and the second part is scheduled to go ahead in August.
The film will be out next year with it being streamed on Amazon Prime once finished.
Jay said: “This is a subject no other feature film has done but we need funding to be able to bring this drama from script which is ready to go to your screen and raise awareness that could potentially save lives.
“We have got quite a few sponsors already, a lot of local businesses have offered their financial help to put this film together.
To donate for the production : www.gofundme.com/f/darkdevices
