Cannes success for local film making team
A locally made film shot almost entirely in black and white has won an award at the Cannes Film Festival.
Censure, directed by Richard Bazley and shot in and around Box, won the award for best soundtrack.
The film centres on introvert Aaron, who finds himself struggling under the weight of a revelation, so he dreams of escaping to the only place he can breathe.
However escape has a cost, and he must ask himself if it is a price he is willing to pay.
Set in a picturesque village in the Wiltshire countryside all is not as it seems at the converted chapel. The agitated young man is clearly on the edge as we follow his breakdown as he deals with his dysfunctional family.
The historic buildings may look quaint and the neighbourhood peaceful but you never know what goes on behind those beautiful, antique closed doors.
According to Richard, writer Neil Bason delivers an emotional impact by inviting the viewer to sit in on Aaron’s discomfort and experience his emotions in real time.
“Without Neil’s great script and story we wouldn’t have such a strong film,” he said. “Like a building you have to have a strong foundation to build on, so story is everything and Bason is a master at his craft.” Censure stars up and coming actor Connor William as well featuring the established and esteemed Academy Nominated Tom Conti, inset.
“It had been a long desired ambition of mine to work with Tom Conti and I was over the moon when he accepted the part,” he said.
Vivien Taylor and Elaine Mackenzie Ellis also star in the film, while the stunning photography is by cinematographer Jon E Fry.
Produced by Bazley Films and Fry Film Productions. The dramatic score and winner of the international award for best composer is the band Noise In Your Eye.
“The idea was born out of lockdown,” said Richard. “As we came out of lockdown I realised the very limitations that helped shape the idea made it interesting enough to make it regardless!”
“Nowadays, being shot in black and white doesn’t make a film ‘obscure’ or ‘arthouse,’” he said.
“Black and white is accessible to all and thanks to films like “Roma” by Alfonso Cuarón and “Belfast” by Kenneth Branagh, wider audiences are finding it far more acceptable.”
Richard is shooting a new film short in December with much the same team and will be going as far afield as Somerset and Bath for some shots!
“Neil Bason has once again come up with a cracking story and script,” he said.
“All going well we will be doing a few more trips to Cannes.”