A GLASGOW rapper's story is to feature in a new film about social inequality.

Darren McGarvey, a 31-year-old from Pollok, told his story about homelessness and alcoholism in The Divide, a documentary about the gap between rich and poor, and the effects it can have on society.

The film is to be screened at the Glasgow Film Theatre tonight as part of the Take One Action festival, which encourages local people to get involved in issues they feel strongly about.

Darren, who goes by the stage name Loki, became homeless after his 36-year-old mum died of liver disease as a result of alcoholism when he was just 17.

He said: "To live in poverty is to live in fear.

"Your circumstances are extremely difficult and all the while in the back round you can hear the wider society judging you, threatening you....blaming you.

"We couldn't cope with the stress and I thought it best to go.

"Within a year I was referred to a supported accommodation project called The Firestation, in Maryhill where I stayed for three years."

Darren developed alcohol and drug problems as he struggled with mental health problems, but finally found a focus with Hip Hop and is now a successful musician.

He said: "I developed alcohol and drug problems in my honest attempt to manage my emotions and cope better.

"Hip Hop gave me something to focus on and express how I was feeling.

"It became the only continuity in my life."

Darren now works as an emcee, freelance writer and is also a resident artist with the Violence Reduction Unit in Scotland.

He was approached by producer Katherine Round to appear in the film, and he was more than happy to be involved.

He said: "It was nice to be asked as I believe the message has to come directly from people who have lived it, otherwise it will lack a certain authenticity.

"Too often discussions about solving social problems are exclusive and so solutions are based on assumptions.

"I see myself as someone who can animate the data for people who haven;t seen what I've seen.

"The facts are there for all to see which means we have to wilfully ignore them in order to keep producing record levels of inequality.

"So who benefits from keeping things the way they are?"

Katharine said she has been working on the film for three years and was delighted when she found out it would be screened at the festival.

She said: "The process of finding the people to be in the film was a long one, which involved spending a lot of time with different people and communities across the UK.

"I first met Darren on a trip to Glasgow, and was immediately struck by his incredible insight borne of his own experience.

"It was very important to me that the voices of those living with the effects were those leading the film."