Where strength and dignity unite, empowering the truth within…

Fuelled by an experience I had as a 19 year old and combined with my work within the film Industry and mentoring young men on either side of the prison gate, ThirtyOne2526 is an initiative I created to redefine what it is to be fully alive, authentic and human ‘kind’.

Through the medium of film making and mentoring we tell stories, shift paradigms and seek to forge access and career opportunities within the Film Industry so that young men can thrive above and beyond the limited expectations and labels society often dictates. We build up positive identity where others have dismissed it and seek to awaken strength, dignity and fearless empowerment in the lives of the young people we work with …

Wake - Up

Our first film project, WAKE-UP, was funded by the Mayor of London and the Young Londoners Fund, and later discovered and launched by Amazon Prime.

It began with 8 young men in HMP YOI Feltham, whom I mentored. Through workshops, honest dialogue, and creative exploration, they wrote and developed the film—often drafting scenes and spoken word alone in their cells and sharing them the next day.

The film’s narrative reflects their lived experiences and was crafted to spark conversation and inspire change. Supported by industry professionals, the production brought together young people from Newham and Lambeth to work alongside a professional creative team.

WAKE-UP drew the attention of screenwriter Ronan Bennett (Top Boy) and director Don Boyd (Scum), with additional support from Applecart Arts.

Testimonials and reviews from the writers can be read here.

If you would like to know more about the work or if you are a creative who would like to get involved, please head over to my contact page and get in touch.

Anonymous

‘Anonymous’ our 2nd short film and written in response to WAKE-UP, was sponsored by Amazon Prime. It was written with 2 of the original young mentees from WAKE-UP, one of whom graduated from the MetFilm School in 2024.

The film runs in conjunction with InsideOut our industry training program, for those I have mentored and have been released from prison or who are eligible for Release on Temporary Licence.

InsideOut

I believe young men leaving prison need more than just jobs—they need access to creative apprenticeships and purpose-driven careers. While mentoring in HMP YOI Feltham, I saw first-hand the creativity, adaptability, and potential of these young men—many of whom were gaining practical, transferable skills but lacked awareness of opportunities in the film industry.

In response, I designed and led InsideOut a 4-week, full-time entry-level film course, supported by a network of industry professionals. Together, we took three mentees on an immersive, hands-on journey into film. The result: curiosity sparked, creativity expressed, confidence built, friendships formed, networks established, industry-relevant skills developed and doors opened.

Workshop outcomes:

• Offer of employment in set construction to the mentees

• Ongoing mentorships with Sara Putt Associates and Film London

• Continued training and work experience offered by all facilitators

• Development of two new short films, Man’s Best Friend and Gambit, now in pre-production—mentees will join as paid crew

Click the image below to access the review.

Creatives to Date: Michael Balogun, Sam Benjamin, Jamal Khan, Shash Lall, Matshidiso Mohajane, Peter Moreton, Nathalie Pownall, Amani Simpson, Charlie Toko, Chantelle de Carvalho, Out Since Tuesday, Ntando Brown, Fin Roberts, Jasper Enujuba, Onsight, Chad Orororo, Hedgehog Construction, Mat Nolan, Kato Murphy, Lucrezia Pollice, Deb Nutt, Camera Revolution, David Cohen, Park Village, John Pickard.

Special Thanks to: Richard Holman, Alexis Rodney, Greg Byron, Helen Hayford, Young Creators UK, New Vic College, 500 Reasons, XO Bikes.

Photo Credits: ©2019 Thirtyone2526 Limited & Nathalie Pownall, Photographers: Catherine Shelley and Adenine Oke, featuring Actors; Kai Francis Lewis, Nii Akin, Rebecca Dike, Ayo-Dele Edwards, Joshua Boyd-Campbell, David Ormodia, Daniella Cardenas, Terrell Lewis, Kieron Taylor Ford.
©2024 Thirtyone2526 Limited & Nathalie Pownall, DOP: Beatriz Delgado Mena, featuring Actors; David Shaw Parker, Sian-Leigh Moore.
©2025 Thirtyone2526 Limited & Nathalie Pownall, David Cohen, Hebron, Daniel and Mike.

Registered Office: Thirtyone2526 Limited - 71-75 Shelton Street - Covent Garden - London - WC2H 9JQ

Company Number: 15329599