Post GYO premiere

HUNDREDS ATTEND STAR STUDDED NORTHWEST FILM PREMIERE

HUNDREDS of film fans packed Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall last night, enjoying the red carpet treatment, as award-winning writer Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s latest movie, Grow Your Own, received its British premiere.

The film is widely expected to take the box office by storm when it opens across the country later this week, but Northwest fans were the first in the country to see it after North West Vision, the film, TV and digital media development agency, organised the free, gala premiere.

The event was attended by cast and crew, with Liverpool co-writer and producer, Carl Hunter, talking of the extraordinary, real-life characters who had inspired the film. Grow Your Own tells the story of refugee asylum seekers who were helped by a Liverpool allotment project.

“The film is all about acceptance,” says Carl. “It explores the relationships between members of a community after the arrival of refugees, who are given allotments to help them overcome their trauma,” he adds.

Attending the gala performance were top Manchester TV actors John Henshaw (Early Doors, Confessions of a Diary Secretary) and Rodney Litchfield (currently starring in Coronation Street), together with Alan Williams (Rome, Life Begins) and Philip Jackson (Pennies From Heaven, Funland).

They were joined on the red carpet by Manchester child actor, Sophie Lee, whose character, Phoenix, played a centre role in the film.

Also attending the premiere were the film’s Director, Richard Laxton, Producers Barry Ryan and Luke Alkin, and North West Vision’s Head of Funds, Chris Moll, who was an Executive Producer on the film.

“We were very proud to support this project from its very early seeding as a series of three minute shorts for Channel 4, through to its blossoming into a full-length feature,” explains Chris.

“The idea germinated and was filmed entirely in Liverpool, bringing together some of the city’s most exceptional creative talent. It’s challenging, moving and entertaining in equal measure, and I hope Grow Your Own will remind audiences around the globe of the unique position that Liverpool holds in the world’s heart,” adds Chris.

Frank Cottrell-Boyce says the real-life story of the refugees and the allotments captured his imagination immediately, and he knew there was a feature film to be made.

“Carl Hunter took me to a real place with the real people, and it’s a day I’ll never forget. I met people on that allotment who’d walked through minefields and swum through rivers while being shot at, people who had very little, but still found a way to be happy. I found that very chastening and very uplifting. And very worth telling,” says Frank.

Adds Carl: “This is a special film that came from something real. It's an international story that is on our own doorstep and if a film can change anything we hope it can change the fortunes of The Family Refugee Support Project in Liverpool, which is facing closure in October unless further funding can be found.”

Grow Your Own will be on release from 15th June at: Ashton Cineworld, Bolton Cineworld, Bromborough Odeon, Bury Vue, Liverpool Switch, Liverpool Cineworld, Manchester Cornerhouse, Manchester Filmworks, Wigan Empire, Woolton Cinema.