Filmmaker and educator Leal Smith had a goal to empower his high school students at Pike High School in Indianapolis, Indiana through film. With all the school shootings throughout the country, and the need to educate he had high school students write and direct a film addressing how students may react and what should be done during an active shooter alert on a high school campus. The project became even more real when weeks into the project a student opened fire at Noblesville West Middle School injuring a teacher and student. The result is the short film Trapped. With the support of the L.I.F.T. Grant, Mr. Smith’s company Purpix Media produced the film, as a student driven learning experience in writing, acting, filming, editing, publicity, and even make-up. We are honored that the film saw its premier at AMC Theater in Castleton, Indiana and also online.

As noted, Trapped premiered at major theaters in the Indianapolis area and can be watched online. The long-term goal is to educate and open discussion amongst school personnel, law enforcement, teachers, parents, students, and elected officials regarding the ever present concerns of school shootings.