Rudy

This film astonished me, watched in a small village hall with nine others I was absolutely not expecting the quality film that Rudy is. It was beautiful, moving, surrounded by stunning local scenery and set to the most fabulous music.

To have the personal touch of the makers being present to give introductions and questions and answers afterwards was a real bonus.

I could not rate this film highly enough, just a shame that the audience is so limited, would love to see it on a big screen some day soon.

Well done to all involved you captured a moving story beautifully, not sure you could better that !

We were treated to a very special and unique experience when the film 'Rudy' was shown at Hollowell Village Hall in October. The VH committee was approached by Rugby based film director Shona Auerbach who, along with her husband, cinematographer, Graeme Dunn, had created the film.

They described the project as a "labour of love" which had taken them 10 years to fulfil.

Shona had collaborated with a colleague to write the film, moved to do so by the experience of losing a loved one, particularly the effect on a young teenager of losing a mother.

Rudy is the fictional teenager in the film, devastated by the death of her mother and left, alone with her grieving father, to care for two much younger siblings.

This may all sound totally miserable, but the film had moments of humour and wonderful portrayals of everyday life.

It showed both Rudy and her father coming to terms with their appalling loss.

It was a treat for the eyes and ears with beautiful photography, ranging from details of domestic activity, to urban skateboarders, to our beautiful countryside. The urban setting used was Coventry and the rural landscape was around Birdingbury and Leamington Hastings.

The music for "Rudy" was written by Japanese composer, Akira Kosemura and was atmospheric and evocative.

The film is being shown in some small cinemas around the country and is currently available on Curzon Home Cinema for £10. The creators of the film are also taking it to local villages in the area. We in Hollowell count ourselves very fortunate to have benefited from this.

It was a real privilege and rare insight to get the opportunity to talk to the makers of this rather special film.

Viv Benjamin.

I was lucky to see this exquisite movie at a local film club in Great Ayton, followed by a Q&A with the Director. What a lovely story, beautiful told and anchored by superb performances from the children. Darren Day may not be everyone's first choice for a grieving Warwickshire farmer but he pulls it off! A special word for the music - the choice of songs and the score perfectly complement the story. Coventry has never looked so beautiful, either.

I truly hope this labour of love ( it took 10 years to be made and released) finds a bigger audience. I saw this on the same day as the much bigger Saltburn. This is a far superior movie and deserves an opportunity to find an audience.

Great film that was 10 years in the making. Watched Rudy last night in our village club. This really deserves bigger venues and audiences. A fine cast of new young faces and some older ones some who you will recognise. A lot of teenagers will identify with the younger characters and the same with older audiences and older characters. The meeting of two teenagers from different environments a farmers daughter struggling with the death of her mother and a young city lad raised by his grandmother. They have a shared interest in skateboards but some discover a wider depth in life effecting them both. Fine a screening and enjoy.

Rudy is a touching and tender film with a seamless narrative, exploring the profound impact of a mother's death on a family. The husband and teenage daughter navigate the tragedy, redefining their bonds of love. Despite a familiar theme, the film personalizes it beautifully with realistic strength and excellent character portrayals, including the other children in the family and two older ladies, who complement the narrative in a tragicomic way.

From the daughter's repressed inner and interpersonal conflicts, a love story with another vulnerable teenager develops. The touching and innocent relationship becomes a delicate catalyst for understanding and coping with reality.

Stunning cinematography, thoughtful closures, and effective use of silence enhance the emotional resonance. The movie provides a refreshingly empathetic look into the teenage daughter's inner world, capturing her pain, struggles, and mental adjustment. In summary, it's a poignant exploration of grief and growth within a family.