The Village

The making of Tortoise in Love could almost be a film in itself. Almost the entire village of Kingston Bagpuize in Oxfordshire was involved in making the film. Young mums helped with the sales and design and publicity. Retired folk provided the drivers and stewards and props and logistics support. The Women's Institute organised a phenomenal catering effort and all the cast and crew were lodged in village homes for the duration of the shoot.

However, money was still needed to pay for a professional crew. Much of the budget of the film was raised by a mini-mogul scheme of small local investors. In return for its spectacular voluntary effort, the village owns a 'Golden Share' of the film meaning that clubs, schools and societies in the village will benefit from any future profits.

To see a behind-the-scenes photo gallery, click on one of the horses opposite.

Tractors in Leicester Square

The third chapter of our incredible story began before the film was even started, when Guy promised the village that ten coaches would line the main street to take everybody to the premiere in Leicester Square.

In a miraculous coincidence it turned out that Westminster City Council were looking for a film to reopen the square after three years of building works. They decided that Tortoise in Love was not only going to premiere at Leicester Square, but that it would fit perfectly as the first official premiere. The villagers of Kingston Bagpuize were thrilled as each of them walked the red carpet to the premiere of the film they had made.

Massey Ferguson kindly loaned big, red tractor for local farmer David Christensen to drive through the centre of London and park on the red carpet. The country had come to the big smoke, and what a spectacle it was! Television shows such as BBC Breakfast got involved with a live link to Kingston Bagpuize where they interviewed our wonderful W.I. members as they got ready for the event. Then the One Show joined them live later in the day, glittering on the red carpet.

The whole thing went off without a hitch, despite the tractor causing minor gridlock outside the Houses of Parliament.

Coming to a cinema (very) near you!

This is the part where you can get involved. Tortoise in Love was made by a village and now it could come to your village hall!

The film opens in cinemas around the country on 13th July. But it's also being shown all over the country in smaller, independent venues. If you're involved with a community venue we'd absolutely love for you to show the film at the height of its media buzz.

Very fortunately for us, the British Film institute liked the idea and have invested in the movie from their Print and Advertising fund. This means we can offer more support to the venues screening the film, including posters, marketing materials and customised press releases. Our wonderful PR teams will be working around the clock to make sure there is a high level of awareness in each community that wants to screen the film.

For information about where you can see the film, take a look at the map on the right. To book the film at your venue please contact emily@immenseproductions.co.uk, or call 07921628300.