A GALA screening of a feature film shot in the North East was held in Durham City.
Funders, local cast members, and their guests watched Song for Marion at the Gala Theatre.
The £2million-plus film stars Vanessa Redgrave, Terence Stamp, former Doctor Who Christopher Eccleston, and Bond girl Gemma Arterton.
It tells the story of a grumpy pensioner who comes to terms with the terminal illness of his wife through their involvement in a choir.
Filming took place last year in Durham City, Wheatley Hill and Newcastle, and the choir central to the story was recruited locally.
Director Paul Andrew Williams, 39, said: “We chose Durham partly because we could get the funding, but also because we wanted somewhere with a sense of community.
“Audiences in the North East may recognise some of the locations, but the film itself portrays a community. There is no place name in the story.
“I’ve heard the description comedic drama and I suppose that’s a fair description, although I’m not keen on labelling films.”
Paul enjoyed both his leisure and work time in the North East.
“I was living in a pub near Pity Me outside Durham City,” he said. “I was so well looked after and everyone was welcoming.
“The local people we used were also great to work with, very enthusiastic and genuinely pleased to be involved.
“I’m from London and I think down there people are more cynical, maybe because they see film crews at work more often there’s not the same sense of excitement.”
Song for Marion goes on general release next month and is also to be shown in America.
Producers estimate the cost of the film at between £2million and £4million, and they are hopeful it will make a profit at the box office.
Twitter: @SunderlandEcho
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