A film shot in Ealing, which tackles human trafficking and modern day slavery, has been nominated an award.
Yoke Farm, directed by Tim Keeling and produced by west Londoner Sam Sharma, is a contender for Best Short Film at the National Film Awards which are taking place in London on March 31.
It previously won the Unchosen film competition 2014 for campaigns against modern-day slavery and had its premiere at the London Short Film Festival, at Hackney Picturehouse, in January.
Director Tim Keeling said: “The film is based on a true case of modern slavery here in the UK. Few realise that slavery is a 21st century problem, so it’s great to see the issue is gaining the exposure it deserves.
“Research into modern slavery showed that slavery can take place anywhere. In order to capture this, the story unfolds in a quintessential British convenience store: this is a film set on everyone’s street corner.
“Cargill’s was the perfect location because the immediate surrounding Ealing area is pleasant, leafy and from this vantage point, not distinctly village, town or city-like, whilst having excellent transport links for the cast and crew.”
Producer Sam Sharma, from Kensington and Chelsea, said: “We feel that having made a film that has been nominated for best short film at the National Film Awards is quite surreal. I feel ecstatic that it’s a huge step towards spreading the message about modern-day slavery, forced labour and human trafficking to a much wider audience.”
“Ealing is a beautiful area with lots of greenery and space, and it has a traditional village feel in it’s community close to Ealing studios which was perfect for the atmosphere and scenes of our film.”
