TV stars to launch new 'Blackburn' film

A grand showcase of the new film "Blackburn" is being launched with the help of some of TVs top entertainers.

Corrie's Shobna Gulati, who returned to the cobbles last year as Sunita Alahan, has confirmed she is to open the evening at Blackburn's King George's Hall.

Her Street colleague and star of the film Graeme Hawley, who plays infamous teacher John Stape, will be joined by other famous faces including John Henshaw, who appeared in Early Doors and Born and Bred, Noreen Kershaw of Life on Mars fame, Elianne Byrne of Where the Heart Is and showbiz veteran Ted Robbins.

They appear in the film, created with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's Youth Offending Team, alongside around 90 local actors who have all been invited to attend the showcase.

Blackburn's streets set the scene for the film about growing up in a multi-cultural society. The film - simply titled 'Blackburn' - is a mythological story of cohesion inspired by workshops held across the borough to explore young people's perceptions of living in the town.

The drama tells the tale of a young Asian man, Adeel, played by local actor Zulf Patel, 20, who returns to Blackburn after living in London for two years. Alongside his school friend, Nathan, played by Alex McCormack, 18, the pair embark on mission to unite the communities of their town and challenge perceptions of segregation between its people.

The drama has been commissioned by Blackburn with Darwen Council's youth offending team, which received funding from the Youth Justice Board.

Mike Lee, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: "We are pleased to support this piece of work in its efforts to address the same issues that affect us all.

"This film is a massive step in the right direction as listening to our young people and how they envisage the borough in the future is vital to helping us all move forward.

"I applaud everyone who has been involved in helping to build strong community relations and a positive image of the borough."

Filming took place at venues throughout the town including Blackburn railway station, Blackburn Boulevard and Corporation Park along with shots from the Highercroft, Shadsworth, and Whalley Range areas for the 34-minute screenplay.

Penned by Holby City writer Chris Oconnell, Blackburn-based actor turned director Paul Simpson is hoping the film will inspire a walk to unite different cultures.

Local businesses and people within all the communities have supported the film and Paul says that it would not have been possible without the support of the people.

The grand film launch is being held at King George's Hall on Monday, July 5 from 7pm. The launch is being showcased as part of the Celebrate Blackburn Festival and it is hoped the film will be screened in schools and in youth offending sessions across the borough.