Romance

Jhimma (2021)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Seven women and one man lie in a circle on a patch of AstroTurf. Three of the women wear traditional Indian dress, whilst the other four women and the man wear modern Western clothing. They are all smiling at the camera.

Jhimma (2022) © AVK Entertainment

Director: Hemant Dhome
Starring: Sonalee Kulkarni, Suhas Joshi, Kshitee Jog, Nirmiti Sawant, Sayali Sanjeev, Mrinmayee Godbole, Suchitra Bandekar
Production Company: AVK Entertainment
Kent Locations Used: Botany Bay

Jhimma (2021) follows the stories of seven women from different age groups and socio-economic backgrounds, who take a life-changing trip to Great Britain. As the journey unfolds, the women are granted the opportunity to heal old wounds, face their demons, discover themselves, and fall in love.

Directed by Hemant Dhome (Baghtos Kay Mujra Kar, Ye Re Ye Paisa 2), Jhimma (2021) stars Sonalee Kulkarni (Classmates, Mitwaa) as Maithili, Suhas Joshi (Josh, Aazmayish) as Indumati, Kshitee Jog (Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai) as Meeta, Nirmiti Sawant (Bindhaast, Chal Dhar Pakad) as Nirmala, Sayali Sanjeev (Kahe Diya Pardes, Mann Fakiraa) as Kruttika, Mrinmayee Godbole (Padman, Crd) as Rama, and Suchitra Bandekar (Singham, Simmba) as Vaishali.

Production visited Botany Bay in Broadstairs to film a musical montage for the final song of the film and a beach scene where Vaishali (Suchitra Bandekar) and Maithili (Sonalee Kulkarni) enjoy a mother/daughter bonding and Indumati (Suhas Joshi) throws her diary into the sea. Botany Bay is a very popular filming location due to its sandy beach, rock pools, white cliffs and highly photographed white chalk stacks. Previous productions to have filmed at Botany Bay include Thaandavam (2012), Bhikari (2017), and Series 2 of the Channel 4 sci-fi show Humans (2016).

Jhimma was released in India on Friday 19th November 2021 and is currently available to stream in the UK on Amazon Prime Video.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

Shiddat (2021)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
A man is lifting a woman in the air as they kiss against a backdrop of a city skyline at night. He wears a black outfit and she wears a red dress.

Shiddat (2021) © Disney+

Writer: Shridhar Raghavan, Dheeraj Rattan
Director: Kunal Deshmukh
Starring: Sunny Kaushal, Radhika Madan, Mohit Raina, Diana Penty
Production Company: T-Series, Maddock Films
Kent Locations Used: Port of Ramsgate

Shiddat (2021) is an Indian Hindi language romantic drama produced by T-Series and Maddock Films. The film was written by Shridhar Raghavan (War, Criminal Justice) and Dheeraj Rattan (Bhangra Paa Le, Khamoshi) and directed by Kunal Deshmukh (Raja Natwarlal, Jannat 2).

The cast is led by Sunny Kaushal (Bhangra Paa Le, Gold) as Khamid Siddiqui and Radhika Madan (Angrezi Medium, Pataakha) as Imayat Khan. Supporting cast includes Mohit Raina (Mrs. Serial Killer, Bhaukaal) as Zakir Siddiqui and Diana Penty (Khandaani Shafakhana, Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi) as Roshna Ibrahim.

The production used the Port of Ramsgate as a double for Calais Port as a truck goes through border control and the men inside are caught.

The Port of Ramsgate offers thirty-two acres of dedicated Port Land including three modern Ro-Ro bridges and Water and bunker facilities on all berths. It has been used several times as a ‘stand-in’ for the Port of Dover and has previously hosted productions including Gypo (2005), Big Bad World (2013) and Will (2011).

Shiddat was released on Disney+ Hotstar on Friday 1st October 2021.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

Ammonite (2020)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Image of two faces overlapping and facing one another - Actress Saoirse Ronan playing Charlotte Murchison and Kate Winslet playing Mary Anning.

Ammonite movie poster
© EF Neon

Writer: Francis Lee
Director: Francis Lee
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Kate Winslet, Fiona Shaw, Gemma Jones.
Production Company: See-Saw Films, British Film Institute, BBC Films
Kent Locations Used: Romney House, School Road, Charing, The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Ammonite (2020) is a film loosely based on the life of the acclaimed English fossil hunter Mary Anning (Kate Winslet) in 1840s England. Widely known for her contribution to prehistoric geology, she made ground-breaking Jurassic period discoveries as she spent time investigating the cliffs at Lyme Regis and Charmouth in Dorset. Whilst the film addresses Anning’s professional life, it also explores her private affairs and her struggles to make ends meet.

The film was written and directed by Francis Lee (God’s Own Country, The Farmer’s Wife) and Kate Winslet (Titanic, The Reader) stars as Anning alongside Saoirse Ronan (Little Women, Lady Bird) as her fellow geologist and companion Mrs Charlotte Murchison.

Kate Winslet as Mary Anning and Saoirse Ronan as Charlotte Murchison in Ammonite walking along a beach in Lyme Regis. Kate wears a blue coat and brown frock, her hair is plainly tied back and she carries a leather satchel across her shoulder. Saoirse wears a bonnet and black dress and walks behind. Waves are breaking behind them onto the beach and the cliffs are shrouded in mist..

Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan in Ammonite (2020) © See-Saw / British Film Institute / BBC / Cross City / Stage 6

A couple of scenes for the film were shot in Kent. Romney House, a grade II listed building in Charing, was used to stand in for a Lyme Regis property belonging to Dr. Lieberson (Alec Secareanu) where Mary and Charlotte attend an evening party. A further scene was filmed at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, in which Mary Anning alights a boat just arrived to London Docks from Lyme Regis.

Charing is a quaint, traditional and beautiful village in the Ashford district of Kent and is situated on the historic Pilgrim’s way that stretches from London to Canterbury. The high street has many old whitewashed buildings comprised of brick and tile, some also exhibiting exposed timber frames. It is also home to the famous building the Archbishop’s Palace, a large manor house historically belonging to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Historic Dockyard Chatham was established in the mid-16th century and is located on the River Medway. A location with an extensive history, evident through its numerous buildings and exhibitions open to the public. The site offers maritime, industrial, Georgian and Victorian architecture and cobbled streets, an ideal set for many film productions. Recent feature films that have shot dockside scenes at the Dockyard include Red Joan (2019) and The Mercy (2018).

Ammonite is scheduled for release on Amazon Prime Box Office on Friday 26th March 2021.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

De De Pyaar De (2019)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Ashish Mehra (Ajay Deygn) seen standing in a club with some girls standing at either side of him.

Ashish Mehra (Ajay Deygn) in De De Pyaar De ©IMDb

Writer: Surabhi Bhatnagar, Tarun Jain, Luv Ranjan
Director: Akiv Ali
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Rakul Preet Singh
Production Company: Luv Films, T-Series
Kent Locations Used: Castle Farm Lavender in Sevenoaks and Leeds Castle in Maidstone

De De Pyaar De (2019) is a hit Hindi romantic comedy feature film. The film centres on Ashish Mehra (Ajay Deygn), a single father and business man from London who falls in love with a younger woman, Ayesha Khurana (Rakul Preet Singh), much to the disapproval of his family and ex-wife.

The film was directed by Akiv Ali, and written by Surabhi Bhatnagar (Judwaa 2, Mubarakan),  Tarun Jain,(Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, Life Sahi Hai) and Luv Ranjan (Dev.D, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety). It stars Ajay Devgn (Simmba, Raid) and Rakul Preet Singh (NGK, Dev).

Some scenes in the film were shot at Castle Farm Lavender in Sevenoaks. The farm was used for a motorcycle driving scene, and the half-timbered Kentish barn at the farm was converted into a motorcycle shed for a BBQ and dance scene. Filming also took place at Leeds Castle in Maidstone.

Leeds Castle is a historic castle in Maidstone, with over 500 acres of land, including gardens, mazes and woodlands. The castle has been previously used in productions such as Rustom (2016) and The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses (2016).

Castle Farm is a farm in Sevenoaks, with the historic timber framed farmhouse, surrounded by lavender fields. Previous filming has also taken place at Sevenoaks, including Mary Queen of Scots (2019) and The Favourite (2019).

The film was released on Friday 17th May 2019 in UK cinemas.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map. 

Tulip Fever (2018)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Fever poster- A women in a period dress stares out the window. The word Fever is written on top of the image.

Tulip Fever (C) Worldview Entertainment

Writer: Deborah Moggach (Novel), Sir Tom Stoppard
Director: Justin Chadwick
Starring: Alicia Vikander, Cara Delevingne, Jack O’Connell, Christoph Waltz, Dane DeHaan, Zach Galifianakis, Judi Dench, Holliday Grainger, Matthew Morrison
Kent Locations Used: Cobham Hall

Tulip Fever (2018) is a film adaptation of Deborah Moggach’s romantic novel of the same name, set during tulip mania in early 17th century Amsterdam. The story focuses on artist Jan Van Loos (Dane DeHaan) who falls in love with Sophia (Alicia Vikander), a married young woman when he is commissioned to paint her portrait.

The film is directed by Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl (2008), The First Grader) with Sir Tom Stoppard (Shakespeare in Love, Enigma) adapting the novel for the big screen.

The film stars a wealth of talent including Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina, The Danish Girl), Cara Delevingne (Anna Karenina, Paper Towns), Jack O’Connell (Money Monster, Skins), Christoph Waltz (Spectre, Django Unchained) Dane DeHaan (Chronicle, Lawless), Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover, Birdman), Judi Dench (Skyfall, Philomena), Holliday Grainger (Cinderella, Jane Eyre) and Matthew Morrison (Glee, Music and Lyrics).

The production filmed in Kent at Cobham Hall between April and July of 2014 where they transformed a wing at the school into a 17th century Amsterdam Gracht. The production constructed the waterway from scratch, complete with barges and donkeys crossing humpback bridges. The school’s courtyard was also used as the brewery yard in the story.

Cobham Hall is a private boarding school near to Gravesend located in 150 acres of Grade II listed parkland. Inside is a stunning ball room, library, cobbled courtyards, formal gardens, classrooms as well as sports facilities, including a swimming pool. Cobham Hall is a popular filming location with productions such as Hetty Feather (2015-2020), The Great Fire (2014) and Wild Child (2008) having previously filmed here.

Tulip Fever also features in the Kent Film Office Tudor(ish) Trail which celebrates Kent’s Tudor history and film connections.

Tulip Fever is released in cinemas on Friday 7th December 2018 and is available on DVD.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map. 

Zoe and the Astronaut (2018)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Zoe and the Astronaut Film poster depicting close up, side profile shot of a Max Scully as the Astronaut and Kirsten Foster as Zoe looking out to sea. Zoe and the astronaut reads in blue in the centre

Zoe and the Astronaut official film poster © Sahara Road

Writer: Eke Chukwu
Director: Eke Chukwu
Starring: Kirsten Foster, Ian Reddington, Lisa Moorish, Max Scully
Production Company: Independent Film
Kent Locations Used: Tankerton Beach, Whitstable

A gripping combination of romance and sci-fi, Zoe and the Astronaut tells the heart-warming story of a Leukaemia patient, who sees a space pod crash in a field near her home and inside is a young astronaut. She uses her last days showing him the beauty of life on Earth.

Eke Chukwu (Hood, London Virgin) wrote, directed and produced Zoe and the Astronaut. Kirsten Foster (Lewis, Jekyll & Hyde (2015)), Max Scully (Blood on Canvas, Ginger & Rosa (2012)), Lisa Moorish (Murder in Mind, Vote Debra Gray) and Ian Reddington (Highlander, The Sisters Brothers) star in this independent film.

Filming took place on Tankerton Beach for the final sequence of the film. Tankerton Beach is a shingle beach with wooden beach huts along the coastline, as well as the grassy slopes that run alongside the shingles. There is a sailing club, and a skate park facing the beach, as well as phenomenal views. At a low tide, a walkway known as ‘The Street’ is revealed going out towards the sea. Productions to have filmed at Tankerton Beach include Britain at Low Tide – Series 3 (2019) and Kathy Burke’s All Woman (2019).

Zoe and the Astronaut was released on the 4th May 2018.

For more information about Kent’s filming history, please visit out Movie Map.

 

Mubarakan (2017)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Main characters in car facing and pointing at camera with film title Mubarakan above them

Mubarakan – (C) Cine1 Studios & Sony Pictures Releasing

Writer: Rupinder Chahal (story), Rajesh Chawla (dialogue)

Director: Anees Bazmee

Starring: Anil Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Ileana D’Cruz, Athiya Shetty, Neha Sharma

Production Company: Cine1 Studios, Mark Production

Kent Locations Used: Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, Gravesend

Mubarakan is an upcoming romantic comedy which follows the lives of identical twins, Charan and Karan Singh who are deeply in love with Sweety and Nafisa. When Karan’s family are insistent on his marrying Binkle, the daughter of a very wealthy family, he persuades them  to offer  Charan as a groom instead. Unfortunately, Charan is equally determined to marry the love of his life, Nafisa.

The film was written by Rupinder Chahal (Love Punjab, Chak Juwana) and Rajesh Chawla (Dehleez, Sharafat Gayi Tel Lene) and directed by Anees Bazmee (Welcome back, No Entry: Pudhe Dhoka Aahey). The prestigious Bollywood cast is led by Arjun Kapoor (Half girlfriend, Ki & Ka) who, not for the first time, plays both brothers and supported by Anjil Kapoor (Fanney Khan, Welcome back) Ileana D’Cruz (Rustom, Happy Ending), Athiya Shetty (Hero) and Neha Sharma (Tum Bin 2, Xuan Zang)

The production filmed scenes at the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara temple in Gravesend. The Sikh temple has 5 elaborate domes inspired by the Golden Temple at Amritsa. It also boasts hand crafted marble walls and stained glass windows.

Gravesend is located the south bank of the River Thames and is well known for its pier, promenade and high street as well as international links at the nearby Ebbsfleet International station. Previous productions to have visited the area include Doctor Strange (2016).

Mubarakan will be released in cinemas on 28th July 2017.

 

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map. 

Dickens Secret Lover (2008)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
David Haig and Amy Shiels in period costumes. David looking up to the ceiling and Amy is behind looking at him

David Haig as Dickens and Amy Shiels as Nelly © Channel 4

Director: Sarah Aspinall

Writer: Jim Barton

Production Company:  Flame Television Production Ltd.

Kent Filming Locations: Charles Dickens Chalet at Eastgate House Rochester and Theatre Royal Margate.

Dickens’ Secret Lover is screening on Channel 4 as part of their Victorian Passions season, examining Charles Dickens’ private life. The programme reveals the secret life of the literary giant,  in which he abandons his wife for a long lasting affair with a very young actress.

Charles Dance sat on a chair facing the camera. Colourful curtains are behind him.

Charles Dance presenting Dickens

The programme is presented by Charles Dance, an actor who was seen most recently in the BBC adaptation of Bleak House as the callous Tulkinghorn. Dance takes on the role of detective in this drama-documentary, questioning five Dickens’ experts on how the affair affected his writing and his public character of a virtuous Victorian. Key scenes are dramatised to give the viewer a more in depth understanding of Dickens (played by David Haig) and his secret life with actress Nelly, played by Amy Shiels.

Charles Dickens’ is arguably Kent’s most famous author, having lived both at Gad’s Hill in Higham and at Broadstairs in Bleak House, Kent is understandably rich in historical links to the author. Many of his novels were penned here and many of the locations used in his novels echo real life locations in Kent. For example Westgate House in the Pickwick Papers is widely reported to be based on Eastgate House in Rochester.

The programme filmed on location both at Rochester in Charles Dickens’ Chalet at Eastgate House in Rochester and the  Theatre Royal in Margate.

The Swiss Chalet, a present from a French actor to Dickens, was originally constructed in the grounds of his home at Gad’s Hill before moving to Cobham Hall in Gravesham, where the recent BBC series Bleak House was filmed. Nowadays, the Chalet can be seen in the garden at Eastgate house in Rochester.

Exterior shot of Eastgate House - red brick building with black windows

Eastgate House © Medway Council

The Theatre Royal in Margate was chosen because  the crew wanted to visit locations that Dickens was passionate about. A performer himself, he frequently read his works to the public throughout the UK, and of course in Kent.

Eastgate House, situated in Rochester was formerly a large private town house. Built by Sir Peter Buck; it has now been restored and is owned by Medway Council. Productions such as Jekyll and Hyde (2015),  BBC’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood (2012) and Great Expectations (1989) have previously filmed in the Rochester area.

The Theatre Royal is situated in the heart of Margate which is a vibrant seaside resort, with complementary historic and modern architecture. Margate has welcomed other productions including The Apprentice (2015), Last Orders (2002) and Only Fools and Horses: The Jolly Boys’ Outing (1989).

In 2012 England will celebrating the bicentenary of his birth.

Dickens’ Secret Lover will be shown on Channel 4 at 9pm on the 16th June 2008.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map. 

Wild Child (2008)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Emma Roberts (Poppy), Linzey Cocker (Josie), Sophie Wu (Kiki), Kimberley Nixon (Kate) and Juno Temple (Drippy) all dressed in fancy dress posing at the camera.

Emma Roberts (Poppy), Linzey Cocker (Josie), Sophie Wu (Kiki), Kimberley Nixon (Kate) and Juno Temple (Drippy) on the set of Wild Child. Giles Keyte: copyright: © 2008 Universal Studios. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

Directed by: Nick Moore

Written by: Lucy Dahl

Starring: Emma Roberts, Natasha Richardson, Aidan Quinn, Alex Pettier, Shirley Henderson

Production Company: Universal Pictures, StudioCanal, Relativity Media, Working Title Films

Kent Locations: Cobham Hall

Emma roberts soaking wet emptying water from a red shoe with her bed behind

Poppy (Emma Roberts) Giles Keyte Copyright: © 2008 Universal Studios. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Emma Roberts and Kimberley Nixon in school uniform frowning at each other in a corridor full of students

Emma Roberts (Poppy) and Kimberley Nixon (Kate) in Wild Child Giles Keyte Copyright: © 2008 Universal Studios. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Writen by Lucy Dahl, the daughter of literary giant Roald Dahl, “Wild Child” follows the antics of 16 year-old Poppy (Emma Roberts) on a search of self-discovery and maturity. Brought up in Los Angeles, Poppy has been living a selfish and spoiled existence. Fed up with Poppy’s attitude and behaviour, her father ships her off to an English boarding school where she’s faced with strict rules, curfews, school girl hierarchies and scary teachers. Will Poppy be able to remain the ultimate Wild Child?

Starring Emma Roberts (Hotel for Dogs, Nancy Drew), Natasha Richardson (The Parent Trap, Blow Dry), Aidan Quinn (Legends of the Fall, Unknown) Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike, I am Number Four) and Shirley Henderson (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Bridget Jones Diary Franchise).

Shot on location, “Wild Child” was mostly filmed at Cobham Hall, near Gravesend, in Kent. Already a boarding school for girls, the location was perfect for the film. The country house has become an increasingly popular filming location and has played host too many productions including The Great Fire (2014), the BBC’s adaptation of Bleak House (2005), and Agent Cody Banks (2003).

Laura Goldfinch as an extra on set - standing in school uniform on a field with cars parked behind

Laura Goldfinch as an extra on set © Laura Goldfinch

Local Kent girl Laura Goldfinch was lucky enough to be an extra on the film.

“On the fourth day of filming, two women approached me and revealed Kimberley Nixon, one of the young lead actresses, was absent and they needed a stand-in for three night shoots – me!!! I found myself whisked away into my very own trailer and travelled down to set in the same cars as Juno Temple, Alex Pettyfer and the amazing Shirley Henderson!”

“When the whirlwind rush of Wild Child was over, my life went back to normal, but my attitude towards my chosen career changed for the better. To this day I am grateful for having been given this opportunity and that Kent was chosen as the location for the Wild Child Production. Since Wild Child, I have gone on to have other successes working as a supporting artiste and actress in other Film and Television productions.”

Wild Child was released in cinemas in August 2008 and is available out on DVD.

 

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map. 

Hancock and Joan (2008)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Ken Stott sat at a wooden table with a white tea cup.

Ken Stott as Hancock. Copyright BBC/World Productions

Writer: Richard Cottan

Director: Richard Laxton

Production Company: World Productions

Kent Filming Locations: Broadstairs, Ramsgate

A one off drama starring Ken Stott as Hancock (Rebus) and Maxine Peake (Shameless), Hancock and Joan charts the affair between Hancock and his best friend’s wife, Joan Le Mesurier.

Not long wedded to their current spouses, Joan and Tony embarked on a passionate love affair that lasted nearly two years. But Tony, despite his adoration for Joan, was plagued with depression and alcoholism, which proved to be a constant drain on their relationship.

When Tony is offered a chance to revive his career with a new series in Australia, Joan gives him an ultimatum to give up alcohol and in return for her leaving John and marrying him. Agreeing Tony embarked to Australia. Unfortunately, the failure of his series and a misunderstanding about Joan’s loyalty for him prompted him to take his life.

 

Paul Hicks standing by a classic car in front of a house

Paul Hicks and his car. Copyright: Kent Film Office

  

On set of Hancock and Joan - cameras in a residential street with two classic cars on the road

On set of Hancock and Joan. Copyright: Kent Film Office

The programme is based on John Le Mesurier’s autobiography ‘Lady Don’t Fall Backwards’ and Edward Joffe’s ‘Hancock’s Last Stand’ and was filmed in the Le Mesurier’s home town of Ramsgate.

Set in 1967, the challenge to find period locations for the piece were providentially solved. Both Ramsgate itself and it’s close neighbour Broadstairs provided some untouched gems such as Morellli’s cafe, one of the only remaining 50’s style cafes in Britain and the house that doubled as John and Joan’s family home. Vintage cars where bought in from around the county to dress the streets, which proved to be a task in itself as despite glorious November sunshine temperatures were brisk and the cars had to be well looked after due to their fragile nature.

Broadstairs and Ramsgate are coastal towns in the Thanet District of Kent offering gorgeous beaches, historic towns and a harbour. Eastenders (2015), Edge of Heaven (2013) and True Love (2012) have all utilised the area for filming.

Hancock and Joan was shown on BBC 4 at 9pm on 26th March 2008.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.