Hollywood flick to tell story of Notts social worker
HOLLYWOOD actors will appear in a film about a former Notts social worker who uncovered shocking truths behind Britain's child migrant scheme.
Oranges and Sunshine, set to star the Oscar-nominated Emily Watson, will be based on the true story of Margaret Humphreys, who founded the Child Migrants Trust.
-
SHOOTING STAR: Actress Emily Watson plays Margaret Humphreys in the upcoming Oranges and Sunshine (poster right); filming may take place here.
-
SHIPPED OFF: Thousands of children were sent to Britain's colonies during the 1940s and 1950s. Right: Margaret Humphreys, who founded the Child Migrant Trust after receiving a distressing letter.
The West Bridgford-based charity reunites children who were forcibly shipped off to distant parts of the Empire during the 1940s and 1950s, some without their parents' knowledge.
The trust was founded after Notts County Council social worker Ms Humphreys received a letter from a woman in Australia looking to trace her parents, after being sent overseas aged four.
It was then discovered some 130,000 youngsters were sent to work in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada and the former Rhodesia to populate the countries with "good white British stock".
In some cases orphans as young as three were treated as slave labour; others were sexually abused in the institutions where they grew up.
Since its launch in 1987, the trust has opened two offices in Australia and now has one in Musters Road.
As well as reuniting families, it also provides counselling, to prepare them for their first meeting in decades.
Mark Gooder, of Icon Films Entertainment, said: "Everyone at Icon has high expectations for this film.
"The script is beautifully executed and the story is utterly compelling because it is true.
"The end result will be a film that will resonate with audiences everywhere."
Shooting is expected to start before the end of the year and some filming is expected to take place in Notts.
Emily Watson, of Angela's Ashes, Red Dragon and Equilibrium, will star, subject to contract. She is expected to be joined by Hugo Weaving of The Matrix trilogy and The Lord of The Rings trilogy and David Wenham, also of The Lord of The Rings, both subject to contract. A press statement from Australia-based Sixteen Films said: "This film will strengthen and deepen our understanding of the past, and will touch and inspire audiences."
The script was written by Rona Munro and the director is Jim Loach.
chris.birkle@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
5 Comments
by Albert, Curious
Wednesday, September 30 2009, 11:24AM
“According to the New Zealand Herald, the Australian Prime Minister is to officially apologise to the migrants for the treatment they received in the orphanages.
Given that NCC sent a number of councillors to America for a get-together a few years back, I'm sure that Councillor Cutts, or at least one of her cabinet, will be wanting to attend this on behalf of the council.
Anyone for Club Class?”
by King Biffo, Nottingham
Wednesday, September 30 2009, 11:08AM
“I hope the film-makers make sure they include the disgusting actions of Reichsführer Cutts and her cowardly Tories in this film.”
by No-one, Special
Wednesday, September 30 2009, 9:31AM
“KAY CUTTS LOOK AT THIS!!!!! As if she gives a f ig!”
by Bobby, In front of the computer, preparing for a surf
Wednesday, September 30 2009, 9:28AM
“How strange this world would seem, were an alien to land and have a poke around. How strange indeed.”
by Eric the viking, In my longboat
Wednesday, September 30 2009, 7:39AM
“Will the closing scene feature the plaque commemorating Margaret's work being removed from outside County Hall by a pantomime villain masquerading as the new leader of the council?”