Sussex locations and Sussex talents are the stars in the opening film of the newly-relocated End of the Pier International Film Festival.
After five festivals in Bognor Regis, the sixth festival opens in Worthing on April 25 with the world premiere of the new British feature film Ambleton Delight, made by Brighton-based Parkes Productions Ltd.
The story revolves around a small ficti
onal Sussex village by the name of Ambleton during the apple harvest season. The village is rocked by a government proposal for a nearby motorway.
Filmed exclusively in Alfriston, Cooksbridge and Brighton marina, the film stars Hove-based Coronation Street actor Brian Capron in the role of the village mayor.
Director Dan Parkes said: "It began with a brilliant little script my partner Itsuka wrote. It's based on a true story which is also an appealing factor.
"It was a story I had told her many years ago and never really considered as a film myself. But she saw the potential and without me knowing, she wrote a script.
"I read it and thought it was amazing.
"She is Japanese, and it tackles issues of which she is acutely aware in England, such as discrimination to people, how people who are different are treated.
"The film is basically all about how we react to change.
"It's about a Sussex village that is confronted with the prospect of a motorway carving its way right through it.
"It's all seen through the eyes of one particular individual, a chef called John Miller (Jos Lawton), a forward-thinker, but his background is maybe less than desirable – and it's about the way people react to that.
"It's about reaction to change. The motorway could be a positive thing because it could bring business and employment.
"It's an issue where there are two sides of the coin. John sees the potential for good, but that's not the issue. It's about change, whether we reject it or accept it."
Principal photography was done in November and December, mainly in Alfriston where the locals found sympathy with the road issue, Dan says.
"The result is a very very powerful film – more powerful than maybe we anticipated."
Dan is delighted to have the chance to screen it through the Festival: "This is a Sussex showcase. We have only used Sussex talent and cast and crew and Sussex locations.
"It seemed like a natural step to premiere it locally and get local support. The End Of The Pier Film Festival is an excellent platform for showing new work."
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