The Orphan is directed by a former teacher of St Ignatius College and stars several pupils of Chace Community School as extras

A still from The Orphan — A still from *The Orphan*

An Enfield filmmaker and educator’s fourth short film has been launched – exposing the “grooming tactics” used by county lines criminal networks to exploit vulnerable young people across the UK.

Leo Powell – a former teacher at St Ignatius College in Turkey Street who continues to run local education workshops on county lines drug gangs – has announced the release of The Orphan, his latest powerful short film.

The 30-minute also stars several pupils of Chace Community School in Enfield as extras.

Blending hard-hitting drama with social urgency, The Orphan offers an “unflinching look” at how the promise of belonging, protection and loyalty can become a “gateway to manipulation, violence and criminal exploitation”.

When a vulnerable teenager seeking belonging is groomed by a dangerous street figure, he is pulled into the violent world of county lines and forced to confront a past that refuses to stay buried. What begins as protection and guidance quickly becomes control, manipulation and exploitation.

A gripping, raw and emotional drama, The Orphan explores loss, loyalty and the making of a young life on the edge – revealing how grooming often starts long before crime or violence is visible, and why the warning signs are so frequently missed.

County lines exploitation remains one of the most serious safeguarding challenges facing the UK. Thousands of children and young people are identified each year as being at risk, with many more believed to remain hidden.

“County Lines isn’t just about drugs – it’s about control, grooming and exploitation,” Leo explained. “Young people are drawn in through a variety of grooming techniques, including debt bondage, promises of belonging, protection and money, long before they understand the danger.

“This film is a call to recognise the warning signs earlier and protect young lives before it’s too late.”

The Orphan – with some of its scenes filmed in Enfield – humanises this crisis, focusing on the emotional journey behind the statistics.

Released on YouTube last month, the film was viewed 500,000 times in just its first week.

The Orphan is available to watch on YouTube:
Visit youtube.com/watch?v=-5VYaTepAQA

For more information on Leo’s work:
Visit leopowell.co.uk

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