Star Wars actor John Boyega has said he hopes a BBC documentary on the killing of Damilola Taylor will show its effect on the area of Peckham where it took place.
The 34-year-old was friends with Taylor and was one of the last people to see him alive before he was fatally injured aged 10 on November 27 2000, in a stairwell in Peckham, south-east London, just metres from his home.
Why Boyega decided to take part
Speaking about why he chose to speak about the incident for the first time in the documentary, Boyega said: “I guess I was pretty much inspired by the team that was put together and the intention behind it.
“I know previously there had been several different documentaries about Damilola, all of which I watched, but I guess it just felt like the right time to talk about the origin story of not only this case, but a lot of people that were surrounding in that area.
A positive film with a lasting impact
“I think it was important for people to see what had happened and the effects of that situation, and it was packaged together really, really well.
“I believe in the intention, I think this is quite a positive film, as well as it being informative, and I just wanted to support something that I felt like long-term would have a positive impact.”
Damilola: The Untold Story will focus on the final 24 hours of the boy's life, and will see Boyega joined by other close friends and family members, who will speak about the impact the killing had on their lives.
Boyega reflects on the incident's effect
Boyega said the incident had given him “a very big perspective on life”.
He added: “You've lived several different lives, even now at 34, it still feels like I've lived longer than that just because of what you've been exposed to and the experiences that you've been inspired by, all the experiences that have affected me in a negative way.
“But all in all, it was good to watch this and remember that despite that, there was growth, which motivated me to take part in something that was a positive thing.”
Damilola: The Untold Story will air on October 5 on BBC Two and iPlayer.
