A modern love story set in a Northern town explores racial divides and stereotypes.

Love + Hate' was filmed in Lancashire and tells the story of the relationship between an Asian girl and a white boy.

It is sure to stoke up the fires of controversy when it is released but at a special screening in Manchester the directer explained why he felt it was necessary to explore certain issues.

"I definitely think more films like this should be made because they look into issues that affect both Asians and non-Asians." said directer Dominic Savage who shot his first film at the age of 12 before making a number for the BBC.

"I can't say anything about a reaction to the movie but the film describes things that do happen in real life."

The movie was filmed in parts of Lancashire and Dominic says he chose the location because of the strong Asian community precence in some of the old mill towns.

"We don't specify a particular place in the film because I didn't want to make that the focus. I felt that love was the biggest issue."

"The idea started by thinking about the division that you get in certain towns, particularly mill towns in Northern England, which seem to have an air of segregation about them. There are white areas and there are Asian areas."

"I liked the idea of two people from either side of a divide getting together. I was interested in finding out the consequences of that. Facing up to what you really feel as opposed to what you're supposed to feel. Hypocrisy. Racism.

"What is being a racist? And is it possible to change and become a non-racist?"

The movie stars Samina Awan who plays Naseema who has been brought up under the careful supervision of her family, particularly her father, a taxi driver, and her older brother Yousif, who works in the local factory.

Adam (Tom Hudson) is a local boy who hangs out with his elder brother Sean and their mates, who are prejudiced and got their kicks from victimising Asians.

Meeting on Naseema's first day at work at a decorating centre, Adam refuses to talk to her.

Adam tries to persuade his boss to fire Naseema but despite his hostility later confesses to a friend that he is attracted to her and eventually builds up the courage to ask her out.

Naseema's brother Yousif begins a relationship with a white girl but then confronts his sister about her relationship with Adam.

Amongst the underlying simmering racisl tension the film looks at both the relationships between an Asian girl and a white lad and an Asian lad with a white girl.

Love + Hate is released in May 5th.