A SHORT film with a powerful message is to be shown on the Big Screen at the Focal Point Gallery for the first time tomorrow morning, created by Project 49 in conjunction with Big Screen Southend.

Titled Judgemental, the video by Film 49 - part of the Project 49 group - is described as a "new art video installation which raises the question, 'at what point do you make a judgement about a person'?"

The premier is free to attend and takes place tomorrow morning outside the gallery in Elmer Square, Southend, at 10:30am.

It will then be repeated three times a day at 12:30pm, 2:30pm, and 4:30pm as part of the Southend Art Trail for the duration of the Southend Festival presented by Southend BID, which ends on August 15.

Co-ordinator of community inclusion of Southend Care at Project 49, Pete Shrimplin, explained: "Shot in black and white, this short film is a series of close ups of people from Project 49’s eyes, with the camera slowly drawing back to reveal the whole face. The aim of this series of cameos, calls into question the judgement and assumptions made by the viewer, highlighting that not all disabilities are visible.

"Project 49 is a day service based in Southend, who work to create meaningful opportunities and to help break down stereotypes, by involving people with learning disabilities within their community.

"This art work continues as part our Recognise Us campaign.

"The Recognise Us campaign was inspired by Mencap's campaign Here I am initiative, which is based on the ethos that learning disabilities have been invisible for too long and says it's time to see people with a learning disability for all they are and all they can be.

"Project 49's campaign Recognise Us is saying the same thing. We ain't invisible - we are here! And in our town we want to show we are fully welcoming to everybody. People with learning disabilities have a lot to offer."

Adding a comment about the photo of Michael (pictured), taken as a still from the film, Pete added: "Michael is a regular at the Jazz Club at the Railway Hotel. He is known by everyone there and accepted as a lover of jazz. Yes he has learning disabilities, but he attends the club independently and he is a great example of true integration."

All are welcome to attend the launch.

Pete said: "Focal Point gallery has been really helpful and we are excited about having the film shown on the Big Screen.

"It's great for the people of Project 49".