Henry Smith, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Crawley, has given his backing to local film-maker Callum Johnston, as his new production, ‘The Forbidden Note’, nears its release.

Henry said;

“I am delighted to support Callum as he nears the competition of ‘The Forbidden Note’.

“Callum’s commitment and creativity cannot be questioned, and I am looking forward to the release of his latest work.”

The majority of the film was shot in Crawley, and auditions were also held in the town. In addition, four of the principal case are from the borough.

People throughout the community became involved, ranging from crew, helping by lending property, hiring out locations, or even building the sets. The film had a crew of 47, and a cast of 43, making it the biggest production Callum has worked on.

The film uses recognisable Crawley locations, such as the Town Hall and the Hawth.

The plot focuses on Cosmo, a South African pianist who falls in love with Sakeena, a British Muslim ballerina, who is being forced into an arranged marriage by her abusive radicalised uncle. Through their struggle, Cosmo tries to show that the power of love is far more important than the love for power.

Callum added;

“I was inspired to put this film together after speaking with Nathaniel McIntosh, who had the idea of the story of a Muslim girl falling in love with a non-Muslim man.

“The idea inspired me to create a story, I felt like Nathaniel, passionate to get that idea put into a story because we felt no one had done it in the UK.

“I am delighted that Nathaniel stars in the film.”

Dancers from the Louise Ryrie School of Dance and Drama also starred in a number of ballet scenes, and the school’s principal, Louise Ryrie-Smith, helped choreograph some of the dances in the film.

External links:

Callum Andrew Johnston (IMDB)
The Forbidden Note (Facebook)
The Forbidden Note - Teaser Trailer (YouTube)