A British film is making a splash internationally. Chinese Whispers is an action romantic comedy filmed on location in the Midlands, England, in the winter of 2024/5. It will be screened at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20th. Director Deborah Hadfield says Tom Cruise and the Mission Impossible premiere dazzled at the festival. She says:”Our movie may not have the big budget of the blockbuster but it is such a thrill to know we are screening the same year as Tom is he is my hero.
His passion for making movies is something I share with him. Creating a feature film at any level is a labour of love that aims to thrill the audience.”
The movie has also been nominated for 6 awards at the Nice International Film Festival. Writer and Director Deborah says:”It’s incredible to be recognised at such an international level. I am thrilled that the talents of our team are being honoured.”
The director won almost 150 awards with her last film, The Chocolate Club, which is currently streaming globally. The movie sold all over the world, from North America to the Middle East.
Deborah, who was born in Staffordshire, chose to film on locations from the Peak District to Cornwall. She said: “We chose breathtaking scenery to create a ravishing look for the movie. It was incredible to feature some of the most iconic scenery from the snake pass in the Peak District to Fistral Beach in Newquay.”
The Chinese Whispers has picked up nominations for Best English Language Film and Best Director for Deborah.Leading lady Rose Murihead has been nominated for best actress.
Leading man Jonathan Bemner, who has appeared in Aquaman 2,has been nominated for best actor. “I am thrilled that the film is getting such a great response and it’s a tribute to the hard work of all involved that we have picked up six nominations at such a prestigious event,” said Deborah.
The film follows 5 friends who reunite on Christmas Eve to honour their dead school friend. It is being screened at the Cannes Film Festival for buyers around the world. Deborah and her team are attending the festival to support the movie.
International building star Guy Phoenix appeared in the movie. He also allowed the team to film at one of his iconic developments, Tall Trees in Nottingham. The luxurious house was featured on Guy’s show Building Britain’s Superhomes. Deborah said her team is grateful for the hospitality and support from Guy and his family. “Guy is such an inspiring person to work with. He is so kind and allowing us to film at Tall Trees was a game changer. The house is so spectacular and boosted the production values,” says Deborah .
Deborah, a former TV presenter and reporter for ITV, BBC, AL Jazeera, and Arise TV, has made a series of short films and features which have been screened globally winning dozens of international awards. She set up her company Queen Bee Films to make movies. She says her films are designed to entertain and inspire people. She says:”Being recognised at the film festival is an incredible way for Chinese Whispers to spotlight the talent of our cast and crew.
Filmmaking is a collaborative art. My Director of Photography Jack Peter Mundy was a fellow artist who worked tirelessly to create magic.”
Ted Lasso star and Liv Golf presenter Arlo White plays one of the key characters, Anthony Heart. Deborah says:”Arlo and I have been looking for a chance to work together for some time. It was fascinating to see him truly show off his acting talents. We gave him a challenging role and he knocked it out of the park. I was deeply proud of what an amazing actor he is”
The movie also features the work of Derbyshire artist Victoria Wolny. “Victoria was our art director and also allowed us to put her fabulous paintings in the movie. Her new art studio in Repton was also a key location,” says Deborah.
