A feature film shot in Wirral and Liverpool is set to showcase at one of the World’s most iconic movie studios.
‘Enemy of the Heart’ was selected from nominees around the world to be screened at the prestigious Pinewood Studios having competed with 25 countries to win the Jury Prize for Best Feature Film at the Global Lift Off Film Festival earlier this month.
During it’s 85-year history, the UK-based studio has become synonymous with some of the World’s most enduring productions, hosting Hollywood’s finest to shoot scenes for Star Wars, Superman, The Hobbit, James Bond, and Killing Eve.
Scenes for the production were filmed in Thurstaston, Neston and Central Liverpool with post-production taking place in a recording studio in Upton.
The award marks the film’s 40th accolade having swept the board in festivals across Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Cannes, Toronto, Rome and London.
Directed by Claryn Scott, Jason Ricketts and Jay Podmore, the all-star cast includes creator, Claryn Scott, Mattia Paradiso, Jack O’Connor, Julia Ross, Joseph Stanley, Lucy Wareing, Michael Dolan and Carl Wharton.
Neston-based actor Derek Herbert portrays the role of wartime British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.
Speaking about their 40th award, Claryn said, “As soon as production began, we knew we had something special. The cast and crew instantly clicked and it felt like we’d known each other for years. At the very least, we had an amazing time bringing this aspect of history to life.”
Inspired by true events, the story follows the life of an Anglo-Italian family living in Britain during the outbreak of war. Those aged 16 to 70 of German, Italian and Austrian heritage, were interned on the orders of Prime Minister, Winston Churchill when Germany and Italy joined the war against Britain.
Hundreds of internees were sent aboard the S.S. Arandora Star, destined for Canada. Just two days following it’s departure from Liverpool, the ship was torpedoed by a German U-Boat in July, 1940 with the loss of eight hundred lives. A memorial of the tragedy stands at Liverpool’s Pier Head.
Claryn continued, “We could never have envisaged the success the film would receive and we’re always blown away by the support and feedback. It’s been an incredible year and we’re ecstatic to be selected for Pinewood. That really is something special.”
Image: Michael Dolan during filming
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