A new festive film that will promote all that Cockermouth has to offer this Christmas is coming soon to a screen near you.
The story stars an adorable young boy, played by nine-year-old Sam Freer, who’s buying presents for his family. As he explores, Sam also spots the thing he really wants, sends a letter to Santa, and waits to see if his dream comes true.
The film has been created by Cockermouth & District Chamber of Trade, using the talents of Chamber member Penny Watson, who is a photographer and videographer. Now the team hopes it could be the heartwarming tale that everyone needs this Christmas.
Penny said: “The glimmer of an idea typically emerges in the middle of the night. By dawn, I am drowning in possibilities. It is always exciting and a bit of relief when an idea takes hold.
“Making it real is another leap altogether and the most challenging part. At this time of year, we are tapping into a powerful shared visual language, nostalgic of our Christmases past. Buying local is very much in this spirit and Sam has done an amazing job of bringing this to life, sprinkling some festive sparkle in Cockermouth.”
The film was supported by the Welcome Back Fund, part of European Regional Development Funding, through Cockermouth Town Council and Allerdale Borough Council.
Suzanne Elsworth, Chamber publicity officer, said: “It’s been a real team effort to bring this film to life. The first time I watched it it made me cry – now I’m just grinning all the way through! Sam absolutely steals the show – he was a complete natural – though I confess I also have a soft spot for our gorgeous canine star who appears in the magical final scene.
“Adverts from the likes of John Lewis and Amazon are the ones that everyone look out for each year but they all seem so dark this Christmas, while ours is full of smiles and light. It also shows the joy of shopping local – it’s a real experience, with real people, not just a commercial transaction.
“I hope we have given everyone just a taste of what Cockermouth has to offer this Christmas. We love our town and, just as the film says, we want everyone to ‘love our local’.”
The film will be online from today on the Cockermouth Town Facebook page and at www.cockermouthonline.co.uk
