Film shot in Suffolk raises £4k for abuse charity

George King
BBC News, Suffolk
Survivors In Transition A group of men and women standing behind Dame Maureen Lipman, who is sitting down on a chairSurvivors In Transition
The Dog That Couldn't Bark stars Dame Maureen Lipman, best known for her role in Coronation Street

A screening of a film shot in Suffolk has raised thousands of pounds for a charity which supports survivors of sexual abuse and violence.

The Dog That Couldn't Bark was filmed at Glemham Hall in Woodbridge and a private charity screening was shown at The Cut, in Halesworth, in aid of Ipswich-based Survivors in Transition.

The movie stars Dame Maureen Lipman and tells the story of an older lady at the end of her life sharing a childhood secret with her palliative care nurse.

"This powerful film reminds us that the impact of sexual abuse can echo across a lifetime," said Fiona Ellis, from Survivors in Transition.

"Too many carry their pain in silence — even to their last moments.

"We hope this screening sparks vital conversations and affirms that it is never too late to be heard, believed, and supported."

Survivors In Transition Dame Maureen Lipman - wearing a brown suit and glasses while holding flowers - with Helen Atkinson Wood, who is wearing a red job. Both are standing close together while looking into the camera Survivors In Transition
Helen Atkinson Wood - pictured with Dame Maureen Lipman - hosted the screening event at The Cut in Halesworth

The soundtrack for the film was composed by Jack Northove and was directed by Henry Tomlinson - both of whom live in Suffolk.

Its script was written by Wenhaston resident Paul Rainbird.

"When I first read the script, I found it very compelling and it immediately screamed out to me that it should be made into a film," Mr Tomlinson said.

"It has multi layers of conflicting narrative that I found fascinating and was keen to explore.

"We were very lucky to secure two supremely talented, powerful actors and we are so proud to say that 70% of our cast and crew came from the east coast."

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