Harbour lights premiere
Wednesday August 4 2010
Following a successful debut at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, a film about a little known tenth century Hampshire legend will have its UK premiere in Southampton this month.
The Mayor’s of both Eastleigh and Southampton will join the cast and crew and civic dignitaries for the film’s first UK showing at Southampton’s Harbour Lights cinema on August 16.
Directed by Solent University lecturer, Gela Jenssen, the 15-minute film tells the tale of a little known tenth century legend said to be behind the origin of the city of Southampton.
The 15-minute film follows the life of Sir Beavois – Son of Sir Guy, Earl of Hampton – sold to slave merchants by his mother and ending up in the court of Ermyn, King Armenia.
Accompanied by his page, Ascupart, Sir Bevois encounters many adventures, with the help of a magic sword and charmed horse, before falling in love with Muslim princess, Josian, and returning to England to reclaim his father’s land.
The story is given a modern spin by Gela, who says: “It’s a truly epic and dark tale, and very relevant in the context of post-9/11 and the perception of Muslim/Christian relations.”
The HD film – using Southampton actors and shot around the city’s medieval landmarks, was developed by Solent University’s film and production experts and local historian Genevieve Bailey.
As a result of its showing at the Cannes Short Film Corner, a leading European agency is considering taking the film on. The team is also submitting ideas for a feature length version to several film companies.
For further details contact the Press Office on 023 80319 040.