Films

We produce bold, cinematic short films and features — working with the UK's most exciting emerging and established filmmakers.

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Our films have screened at festivals worldwide — including BAFTA and Academy Award qualifying events — and been supported by The BFI, Film4, Venice Cinema College and Torino Film Lab. We believe that great stories can come from anywhere, and we're committed to finding them in the North East and beyond.

Our work

A woman with brown hair and green eyes being interviewed by reporters, with microphones held close to her face. Several film festival laurels and logos are in the background.

Soy Nevenka (I Am Nevenka)

Feature Film | 2024 | Role: UK Producer

Candle & Bell served as UK co-producer on this landmark Spanish biographical drama, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Icíar Bollaín. The film tells the true story of Nevenka Fernández, a young councillor who took on her town's mayor in Spain's first major sexual harassment case — and won. Premiering at the San Sebastián International Film Festival and nominated for multiple Goya Awards.

A woman with reddish-brown hair wearing a blue coat sitting at a table near a window in a bright room with large windows, a pool table, and brick walls.

The Date

Feature Film | In Post-Production | Role: Producer

THE DATE follows a single mother preparing for her first date in years. Shot in meticulous long takes, this avant-garde, film builds a portrait of a woman caught between hope and reality — until anticipation quietly becomes heartbreak. Written and directed by Alex Barrett and co-produced with Academy Award Winner Julie Foy.

An older man with gray hair and a beard smiling in a dimly lit indoor setting, with blurred figures in the background.

Strange Cities Are Familiar

Short Film | 2018 | Creative England / AFAC | Role: Producer

A lyrical, fragmentary portrait of a Palestinian refugee in London, struggling to return home after learning his son has been fatally wounded in a protest. Starring acclaimed actor Mohammad Bakri, Written and directed by Saeed Taji Farouky.

TYPE

Short Film | 2021 | BFI Network | Role: Co-Producer

A stop-motion animation about awkwardness, connection and an unusual kind of love. Handcrafted from recycled materials over 14 weeks, TYPE is a wholly original and inventive film — starring the voices of Jodie Whittaker and David Bradley. Written and directed by Lesley Ann Rose.

She Lives Alone

Short Film | 2020 | BFI Network | Role: Producer

A gothic horror set on the barren Cumbrian moors. Maud lives in isolation, still haunted by the death of her abusive mother — until something darker begins to stir in the shadows of her home. Written and directed by Lucy Rose.

Mordechai

Short Film | 2016 | UK Jewish Film / Pears Foundation | Role: Producer

A funny and touching fable about family, faith and the roles we play. When an ultra-orthodox Jewish man is forced to collect his estranged twin brother from the airport on the day of their father's funeral, old wounds and buried feelings rise to the surface. Written and directed by Benjamin Bee.

“There's no fixed genre for Candle & Bell's work... the most striking thing about Maria and her team is their distinct determination to back anything worth watching.”

• NARC Magazine

Find quick answers to common questions about our film production services and processes.

New ideas come to us from numerous places. Sometimes we adapt books or stage plays for screen, other times we work with writers to develop a short outline into a film or TV show. There isn't one way to approach development - we work to a system that helps writers get the best from the experience and helps to raise early development funding.
We don't accept unsolicited pitches. We often have projects already in development that might be similar to incoming ideas, and the volume of submissions makes it impossible for us to respond to everyone fairly. We work with writers through industry networks, recommendations, and established relationships. If you're a writer looking to connect, the best route is through an agent or through meeting us at industry events.
Yes. We co-produce ideas for TV and film with producers based in the UK and worldwide. If you have a story that could benefit from our expertise in the North East of England, we can help you put together a finance plan and access regional and national funders, as well as the film tax credit.
Yes. We work with brands and organisations who want to reach engaged, loyal audiences through original content. Our productions feature some of the most exciting writers and performers working in the UK today — meaning your brand is in creative hands and associated with work that people genuinely want to watch and listen to. Whether that's sponsoring one of our digital channels, a podcast series or an original production, we can offer real visibility and authentic audience connection. Get in touch at hello@candleandbell.com to talk about what might work for you.
We create short-form YouTube content and video podcasts. This includes original series for digital platforms, web content that complements our broadcast work, and video podcasts that combine storytelling with visual engagement. Digital-first content allows us to experiment with formats and reach audiences where they're already watching.