A RACE to raise cash for a new film about grassroots trade unionism that cuts through right-wing smears was launched yesterday. 

The team of three behind Belonging — the Power Within fired the starting gun on a 45-day campaign to raise at least £40,000. 

Director Morag Livingstone said that’s the minimum needed to make the feature film shown through the eyes of people suffering under — but fighting back against — Tory austerity policies. 

She told the Star: “It’s about how unions are giving a voice to people and communities devastated by foodbank Britain.

“There’s so many inspirational stories out there.

“But I’ve got a lot of friends who are union members and are getting frustrated that their voice is not out there.”

A growing campaign to save youth services targeted for cuts in south-west England will be among those featured. 

More than 80 young people are involved after receiving training in social media from Unite Community, which is on board with Ms Livingstone’s project. 

Unite Community organiser Liane Groves said she hoped the film, scheduled for release in the months before the next general election, will inspire hope in working-class communities. 

“We believe there’s far too little coverage about the lives of ordinary trade unionists,” she said. 

“People that are suffering are being persuaded by the wrong argument and turning to the likes of Ukip. 

“We hope this film will show people that the only way that working people will improve themselves is through this idea of collectivism, through belonging.” 

Ms Livingstone started her company in 2005 and has made two films for the NHS. 

But Belonging will be Ms Livingtone’s fist independent film since she swapped a telecoms job in the City to study documentary photography. 

“I realised what annoyed me most was inequality, low income, the mental health of young people and poverty and so my company focuses on those areas,” she said. 

A Bafta-winning film production team and a singer with a number one single and album are being lined up for the film if £220,000 can be raised. 

Any readers who are feeling generous can donate to the film's Kickstarter campaign at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/belonging4us/belonging-the-power-within?ref=sidebar