What if Pride and Prejudice was set in Hartcliffe?

A self-taught film-maker from Bristol has won a top award for his latest short film which tells the story of a middle class housewife seeking a troubled young man from her past.

Speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, director Paul Holbrook revealed he is planning to make a version of Pride and Prejudice, set in Hartcliffe.

"We're doing a Pride and Prejudice remake that's going to be set in Hartcliffe which we're supposed to start shooting at the end of this year", said Mr Holbrook.

The film is currently in the financing and casting stage.

It is written by local journalist and film writer Neville Pearce and Hannah Lee.

"It's a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice.

"Structurally it's still very much a Jane Austen story but being set in Hartcliffe will add a cultural colour and twist to it.

"Modern politics also goes into it, as well as the class system", added Mr Holbrook.

He revealed a black actor will play Mr Darcy.

"We have Mr Darcy coming from Brixton as a doctor who moves to Bristol and meets one of the Bennet sisters who's from Hartcliffe, and romance ensues."

"The script is very funny, it has a lot of heart to it", he added.

Mr Holbrook received Best Director for his short film Boys Like You at the 2025 edition of the Manchester Film Festival.

The film also picked up the top award of the night - the Golden Bee award.

The winners were named on the festival's closing night, on 23 March.

"Everyone's really proud," said Mr Holbrook.

"It's exciting, it's another good accolade to add to the film."

The short film Boys Like You was written by Manchester-based Lindsay Bennett-Thompson who also stars in it alongside actor Liam Collins.

Last year it made the list of film festivals in New York, California, London, Venice, among others, picking up awards along the way.

Mr Holbrook said: "I have loved movies my whole life.”

"Growing up watching films provided a sort of escapism and I always wanted to make them.

"I'm totally self-taught by watching every film under the sun and learning from the greats."

In 2023, Mr Holbrook and local journalist and film-maker Neil Maggs released 'Normal for Hartcliffe', filmed in the local area.

The documentary shines light on the area which is often left behind, as other parts of Bristol saw shining developments in decades past.

"I'm getting older and I've done a lot, and will continue to do a lot because I love it," said Mr Holbrook.

"I feel pretty proud of where I got."

Speaking about growing up in Hartcliffe, he said having a tougher upbringing gave him drive and determination to succeed.

"It makes you resourceful, resilient," said Mr Holbrook.

"I write about what I know, and what I know is life on a council estate.

"Having things that affected you growing up brings nuanced colour and a different perspective to a lot of stories."

He hopes his own journey can serve as inspiration to aspiring film makers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"Our industry is hard", said Mr Halbrook.

"It's very competitive and there are not enough seats at the table.

"I want everyone to have a fair crack of the whip no matter where they come from", he added.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.