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I am a father of six, a husband, a filmmaker, a community activist — but above all, I am a man who refuses to stay silent when my community is hurting.
When I began work on Silent, my new documentary, I knew it would not be an easy journey. I knew it would open wounds — not just for those I was filming, but for myself and for every person who would watch it. What I didn’t know was just how much it would change me.
The idea for Silent came from a moment of deep reflection. We see the headlines about knife crime far too often — a name, a face, a location, the words “tragedy” or “fatal stabbing” — and then the story moves on. But for the families, the friends, and the communities left behind, it doesn’t move on.
I wanted to ask: What happens after the cameras leave? What happens when the phone that rang constantly in the days after the incident goes quiet? What happens when you’re left alone with your grief, your anger, your questions, and your “what ifs”?
Three Mothers. Three Stories.
One Truth.
Silent follows the stories of three mothers whose lives have been forever altered by knife crime:
• Cheryl, whose son was murdered 12 years ago, and who has lived through over a decade of anniversaries, memories, and unanswered questions.
• Giftie, whose son committed a murder and is now serving time in a secure hospital. Her pain is doubled — mourning the loss of the life she hoped for her child, while grappling with the harm he caused.
• Lisa, whose son survived a stabbing but now lives with life-changing injuries, requiring 24-hour care.
Three mothers. Three very different journeys. But the same deep, unrelenting silence when the phone stops ringing.
Meeting these women was humbling. They were open, raw, and courageous in sharing their truth. They let me into their homes, their memories, and their most private pain. I did not take that lightly.
The Premiere – Brixton Ritzy
On 1st August 2025, Silent premiered at the Ritzy Cinema in Brixton as part of the iTAV Film Festival. It was a black-tie event, but it was not glamorous in the way most cinema premieres are. It was charged with emotion, community, and a deep sense of responsibility.
As the credits rolled that night, you could feel the stillness in the room. People stayed seated, not rushing to leave, as if they needed to breathe and process what they had just seen. Then came the questions — What can I do? How can I help? Where do we start?
That’s when I knew Silent wasn’t just a film — it was a tool for change.
From Film to Action – The Make It Stop Campaign
Silent sits within a much bigger mission. I am the one of the Directors of the Make It Stop Campaign, a community-led movement tackling knife crime through prevention, intervention, and aftercare.
We believe there is no “one solution” to this crisis. Instead, there are 100 small, powerful actions that together create a ripple effect. The campaign is about finding those actions, empowering people to take them, and ensuring no family is left to face this pain alone.
We have been running The Power Programme in schools, including Evelyn Grace Academy in Brixton — teaching young people life skills, from cooking to sports, building self-esteem, and showing them there are positive alternatives to the streets.
We also launched the Community Response Initiative, designed to respond quickly and compassionately after incidents of violence. This includes:
• Advocacy for families in crisis
• Mental health and trauma support
• Practical help navigating housing, benefits, and safety concerns
• Youth mentoring and diversion programmes
• A long-term support network so families are not forgotten once the headlines fade
Involve 2 Evolve CIC
Alongside the Make It Stop Campaign, I run Involve 2 Evolve CIC, a social enterprise focused on creating positive change through community projects, youth development, and creative initiatives.
We’ve worked on everything from food banks to creative workshops, sports tournaments to market regeneration projects. At the heart of it all is the belief that when we involve people in the solution, we evolve as a community.
What I Hope to Achieve with Silent
I don’t want Silent to be “just another film about knife crime.” I want it to be a conversation starter, a mirror, and a motivator for real change.
My vision is to take it across London — and beyond — screening it in cinemas, schools, community centres, and faith spaces. Each screening will be followed by a workshop called “What Will You Do?” where audience members commit to one action, big or small, they will take to make a difference.
We’ll collect these commitments to create a “Wall of Action” — a powerful visual reminder that we can all play a role in preventing and responding to violence.
I want to challenge perceptions, shift mindsets, and give people practical, immediate ways to get involved.
Why This Matters to Me
I’m not an outsider to the struggles my community faces. I’ve seen the impact of violence first-hand. I’ve sat with grieving families. I’ve spoken to young people on the edge of making life-changing choices.
As a father of six, I feel a deep responsibility to do everything I can to make the world safer for my children — and for yours.
This work is not easy. It’s not glamorous. Sometimes it’s frustrating and exhausting. But it’s necessary. And when you see a young person choose a different path, or a parent feel less alone, you remember why you keep going.
An Invitation
If you’re reading this and thinking, How can I help?, the answer is simple: connect with us.
• Host a screening of Silent.
• Bring the Make It Stop Campaign into your school or organisation.
• Join the Community Response Initiative.
• Offer your time, your skills, or your resources.
Every small action counts. Because when the phone stops ringing, that’s when the real work begins. And together, we can make sure no one is left in the silence.
Why not first watch the trailer here. Further details are in the box below.
To discuss screenings, workshops, or partnerships, contact me directly:
e: involve2evolve@hotmail.com
t: 07506 869 137
You can also follow our journey on Instagram:
@maxdacabdriver
@makeitstopcampaign
Ignatius Terance Smith
(Max Da Cab Driver)
involve2evolvecic.co.uk
