Four incidents of racial hatred have been recreated for the internet to illustrate the theme of Holocaust Memorial Day 2009.

The four incidents — including the murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence — have been divided into two-minute films to form a simulated computer game called The Hate Game.

They are preceded by two scenes of Nazi persecution during the Holocaust. The theme of HMD is “Stand Up To Hatred”.

Each film takes the viewer through the incident, then shows the choices those involved could have made — ending with what happened in real life
The Stephen Lawrence film puts viewers in the shoes of the teenager as he is fatally attacked while waiting for a bus with his friend. Stephen’s mother, Doreen Lawrence, ends the film with a direct appeal for action.

Jack Gilbert, an HMD Trust trustee, said: “The issues addressed in these films are occurring every day across the country and it is vitally important we begin to recognise the dangers that unchecked hatred present to us.

“Every day, people in Britain stereotype, discriminate, exclude, bully, persecute and attack — because of race, religion, disability or sexuality.”

The films are due to be released both on the HMD website (www.hmd.org.uk) and on YouTube on Monday.

They were made by Knifedge, an independent production company.
Producer Jonathan Brigden said: “These films aim to highlight the abhorrent nature of hatred, prejudice and discrimination in an interesting and unusual way”.

Holocaust Memorial Day is on January 27 and the main national event will be held in Coventry.