Film / hartcliffe
Hartcliffe-inspired film shortlisted for British Independent Film Award
A Bristol-made feature film is to be released online following a runaway success on the big screen.
Shortlisted for a British Independent Film Award, The Fence was originally scheduled to show for six days in the Showcase de lux in Cabot Circus but ended up running for seven weeks, with additional screenings in cinemas across the UK, such was its popularity.
Written and directed by Will Stone, the film transports us back some four decades to life on a south Bristol council estate and the characters and community that hold it all together.
is needed now More than ever
It was inspired by Will’s dad’s tales of growing up in Hartcliffe in the late 70s and 80s and the director says it has really resonated with audiences.
“We were given six days in cinemas and lasted seven weeks,” Will tells Bristol24/7.
“It’s an incredible feeling to know the film is pleasing local audiences and I can’t thank everyone enough for taking the time to physically get themselves down to the theatres; which is quite a big ask these days, with people often choosing to watch content at home.”
He went on to say: “People were very expressive at the screenings, laughing, cheering and even standing to clap at the end; which was mind-blowing, I thought that only happened in America.
“I think a lot of people felt ownership of the film – like they were a real part of it and the experience. Which is great, so they should. To anyone who hasn’t seen the film yet, if you’ve ever wondered what a proper South West movie would be like, here it is. Check it out because it doesn’t happen very often.”
The Fence was inspired by Will’s dad’s tales of growing up in Hartcliffe in the late 70s and 80s – photo: Red Anchor Productions Ltd
The film features a star-studded cast that includes Bristol’s Jayde Adams and Joe Sims, alongside Sally Phillips (Smack the Pony and Bridget Jones), Eugene Simon (Game of Thrones), Paul Cooper (This Country) and David Perkins (Hollyoaks), among others.
There will be a one-time online showing of The Fence at 8pm on Friday, October 28, with tickets available to book now via: https://watch.eventive.org/thefenceonline/play/63483db3b6ce070053b55fa8
The film is then expected to be online for rental and purchase at the end of next month.
Main photo: Red Anchor Productions Ltd
Read next:
- Big screen premiere for film inspired by 1980s Hartcliffe
- Behind the scenes on film shot and filmed in south Bristol
- Film set in Hartcliffe heading for national run following big screen success
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