The Barn, the first short film produced by Chichester Filmmakers, premiered at the Chichester International Film Festival.
The community organisation was founded in January 2024 with the intention of uniting local talent from Sussex and Hampshire, including accomplished professionals and those who aspire to work in the film industry, to work together, learn about the business, and acquire useful skills through the production of high-end films. This summer, Chichester Filmmakers will present The Barn, their debut short film.
“The film brings an original story presented across four centuries to the screen, using historic settings in West Sussex to highlight local talent,” said producer Petrina Rodwell. Academy Award winner Kate Winslet provided the group with invaluable pre-production assistance on the writing.
The Barn will have a grand opening on August 4 at the Chichester Cinema at New Park. It will also be screened at the Chichester International Film Festival this year. Jonathan Brooker is the writer and director of the feature debut, which has drawn the attention and support of several industry veterans. Kate Winslet contributed to an early read-through of the script, helping to build and improve the tale and make it feasible for a short film.
In the enigmatic story The Barn, a young woman named Ellen (Jasmine Thomas) is found comatose in a dark, deserted barn in the sixteenth century while wearing clothing that is 200 years out of style.
After being adopted by a loving family in a tiny village, doubts spread throughout the neighbourhood as horrific incidents rocked the town, yet Ellen doesn’t seem to age at all. Fear spreads around the village, building to a startling climax in the barn where she was found. This connects Ellen’s trip into the 20th century and her enigmatic immortality to the Viking era.
During the primary five-day production, a complete complement of first-time and seasoned crew members, including first and second film units and outstanding drone photography, caught the action. For most of the filming, the ideal location was the Weald and Downland Living Museum at the base of the South Downs.
In addition to the difficulty of juggling several places and eras, The Barn assembled a stellar company of over 20 performers. The cast is led by Jasmine Thomas (The Contractor), who appears in nearly all of the scenes. Meg Birley (Ren), Peter McCrohon (Twenty Twenty-Four), Chris Beaumont (The Penalty King), Lena Richardson (Escape), and Mark Chapman (Golden Eye) are among the supporting cast members.
“Seeing incredible local talent come together in front of and behind the camera after four months of development and pre-production has exceeded our expectations,” said Jonathan Brooker, director and co-founder of the Chichester Filmmakers. The experience has been quite fulfilling, especially after learning of the favourable comments.