Newcastle’s Tyneside Cinema is to premiere a new film made exclusively in the North East about the issue of arranged marriages.
Primarilly shot on location in South Shields with some scenes in Newcastle, “Falling” is set to raise questions about the tradition of arranged marriages, asking viewers to look at both sides of the issue. In some cultures,the bride and groom are selected by others such as their parents and although the practice remains common in many parts of the world, the practice has declined substantially within the UK.
North East Director, Daymon Britton who has previously had acting roles in TV series such as Byker Grove and Emmerdale as well as cult Newcastle based movie, School of Seduction is excited to be able to premiere his film in front of a local audience.
“The story is in effect a love story between a Muslem girl and a British white guy who suddenly find barriers in the way of their relationship. The plot examines how innocent childhood friendship can grow into something neither they or their families can control and it examines the differences in their respective cultures and family traditions,” said Daymon.
The film written by Gary Kitching stars local actors Jake Ashton-Nelson (21) from Gosforth who plays Jack and Mahsa Hammat Bahary (25) from Whickham as Farida.
“The script really made me think about how this issue affects people all over the world,” said Mahsa whose family moved to the north east from Iran in 2002. “Our culture in the UK is quite relaxed compared to other places in the world. In some countries there may be no alternative to an arranged marriage and this film makes the viewer stop and think.”
Daymon has, where-ever possible used North East actors and crew in the making of the film. Something that he is passionate about.
“We have a wealth of creative flair in this part of the world and it’s been great to tap into the fresh, new talent of Jake and Mahsa who have just left university. This is a great opportunity for them to star in a film that people will be talking about because of it’s sensitive and emotive nature.”
The idea for the film came when Daymon was working in Dubai and met investor, Dr Tabassum Khan who had recently visited the North East, fell in love with the region and decided to invest in the area and it’s culture. He said:
“This film has a real social conscience and people will get to see both sides of the backgrounds to arranged marriages. There are positive points on both sides but we will let the viewer make their own mind up. It’s a very exciting project that tackles a groundbreaking subject and Daymon and his team have brought the issues to the public in a thought provoking way.”
Dr Khan will attend the premiere with Malysian based producerReza Kalamadeen
Falling premieres at the Tyneside Cinema on Thursday 15th November @ 4:30pm – 5:30pm. Tickets are free from the box office.
Production Company:DB Media
Executive Producer:Dr. Tabassum Khan & Reza Kalamadeen
Photo shows: Daymon with Mahsa and Jake at South Shields bandstand which features in the film.
Photo Credits: Bigger Picture Agency