Filmmakers' pride as 'White Dwarf' short tackling grief and guilt picked up by BBC

Rachael Walsh, 30, has released a short film called White Dwarf which tackles the emotions of grief and guilt.

Starring North East actors Hannah Walker and Eleanor Chaganis, the film has been picked up by the BBC and is currently available to watch on its iPlayer.

A freelance writer and director, Rachael, from East Boldon, was given the opportunity to produce the film through talent scheme New Creatives North.

Co-funded by Arts Council England, BBC Arts and Tyneside Cinema, New Creatives North supports artists aged 16 to 30 to bring to their original ideas to life through film, audio or interactive artworks.

Rachael was chosen to be part of the scheme last year and went on to produce her film for the BBC under the mentoring of experienced artists.

Now Rachael is set to take on a Drama Directing MA at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in September.

She said: “Although I work mainly in theatre, I successfully applied for New Creatives North last year and had the opportunity to make a short film called White Dwarf, which was based on a script I had previously written for Live Theatre's 10 Minutes To... new writing evening.

“It tells the story of a camping trip that is overshadowed by grief, guilt and the search for the perfect starry night.

"On the camping trip two friends reflect on memories and things left unsaid.

“As they sit under the stars, searching for a shining light to give them hope, one of the characters, Kat, manages to accept that not everything is in her control and that we should be grateful for every moment of light that we get.”

The film, which first aired on BBC iPlayer on March 2, is still available to watch on TV.

Rachael hopes sharing her film will highlight North East talent to a wider audience.

She added: “The film is made with local cast and crew and I'm extremely proud of it.”

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