A FILM that was almost ten years in the making will make its debut at Leigh Film Factory this week, after making waves across the independent film circuit.
With Atherton-based actor Oliver Lee working on the 'Ferryman' project since 2014 with director and friend, Darren Bender, the film had its long-awaited release earlier this year.
Centred around a relationship between a haunted soldier and a reckless woman, the production spent 12 months on the independent film circuit last year and was recognised with seven award wins and a further eight nominations.
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For Oliver, it's a dream come true after putting years of hard graft into the film industry.
Working alongside stars such as Robert Pattinson, Olivia Coleman, and Stephen Graham in his career, Oliver had to take a step back from the industry after starting a young family and raising three young kids, with another on the way.
However, with 'Ferryman' slowly developing in the background, there was always another opportunity to have a crack at the industry.
With huge successes on the independent circuit, 'Ferryman' has also been picked up by streaming giants Netflix and Amazon for a scheduled release later this year; again proving how Oliver's decision to stick at it has paid dividends.
To celebrate the success of the Atherton star's production, Leigh Film Factory will be screening a 'pay as you feel' event of 'Ferryman' on Friday, July 21, followed by a live Q&A with Oliver and Darren.
Oliver said: "I've been involved in the making of this film since 2014 and for years, Darren would email ideas on a character and story he was hoping to tell. I would sit at home in my flat in Atherton sending notes and ideas back.
"This carried on for years until Darren was ready to go away and write this brilliant script.
"A couple of years ago, we had a humble budget and scrambled together a fantastic cast and roped in some budding students to complete our crew.
"After our wonderful film festival run and the news that we had landed worldwide distribution, we decided to do a small intimate cinema tour to celebrate.
"It was very important to me we screened in my home town area. All we want from this tour is that our audiences get on their social media platforms and talk about us."
Following the screening of 'Ferryman', Leigh Film Factory will host a Saturday night double horror feature of 'X' and 'Pearl' on July 22.
The independent cinema, located on Floor Four of Leigh Spinners Mill, is a community-funded and volunteer-led venue that screens a wide variety of new releases, independent films, blockbusters and classics all year round. For more information, you can visit their website here.
For 'Ferryman' tickets, follow this link.
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