A short film centred around a mysterious local book held at Candie Museum has been completed and is being submitted for entry to a series of British and international film festivals.
The film – Albert – was shot in Guernsey last October and features local actors and producers, as well as UK crew, and was made possible through grant funding awarded by Guernsey Arts.
Guernsey born writer and director Joshua Fletcher is behind the project which will bring the story of the wizard Sarre at the height of the witch trials and public superstition to the big screen.
It revolves around a book known as Le Petit Albert which is said to be indestructible and generated fear among locals in a 17th century folk tale.
The finished film is now being submitted to a variety of international film festivals, with a premiere date in Guernsey and the UK set to be announced soon.
The producers are now seeking additional sponsorships to help get it over the line and to put on screenings.
They thanked Ivy Gate Films and assistance from Visit Guernsey, Condor Ferries and the Pandora Hotel for making the film logistically possible, as well as private landowners and Guernsey Museums for access to shoot locations, and the Guernsey Folk Museum for lending props.
The book featured in the film was recreated by Sycamore Bookbinding who produced four copies – two of which are burned in the story.
James Howard was also announced as a cast member who has recently portrayed Draco Malfoy on the West End stage in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
He joins local actor Cameron Asplant, playing the wizard Sarre, who has featured in other local films including Marooneed Awakening and the Cold War thriller Whispers of Freedom.
The UK crew have credits for Universal Studios, Apple, ITV, and the BBC.