What if Pride and Prejudice was set in Hartcliffe?

Paul Holbrook, a self-taught filmmaker from Bristol, has recently achieved significant recognition for his work. He won the Best Director award for his short film Boys Like You at the Manchester Film Festival, where his film also received the prestigious Golden Bee award. This recognition is a proud moment for Paul, who expressed his excitement, saying, 'Everyone's really proud. It's exciting, it's another good accolade to add to the film. ' The film Boys Like You was written by Lindsay Bennett-Thompson, who also stars in it alongside actor Liam Collins. It has been showcased at various film festivals across the globe, including those in New York, California, London, and Venice. Now, Paul is embarking on a new project that has caught the attention of many. He is planning to create a modern adaptation of the classic novel Pride and Prejudice, but with a unique twist. This new version will be set in Hartcliffe, a neighborhood in Bristol. Paul shared his vision for the film, stating, 'We are doing a Pride and Prejudice remake that’s going to be set in Hartcliffe which we’re supposed to start shooting at the end of this year. ' The film is currently in the financing and casting stages, with the script being crafted by local journalist and writer Neville Pearce and Hannah Lee. Paul emphasized that while the story will maintain the essence of Jane Austen's original work, the setting in Hartcliffe will bring a fresh cultural perspective. He mentioned that the film will also incorporate modern political themes and explore the class system. One of the most exciting aspects of this adaptation is the casting of a black actor to portray Mr. Darcy. Paul explained, 'We have Mr. Darcy coming from Brixton as a doctor who moves to Bristol and meets one of the Bennet sisters who’s from Hartcliffe, and romance ensues. ' He believes that the script is filled with humor and emotional depth, making it a compelling retelling of the beloved story. Reflecting on his journey as a filmmaker, Paul shared that his upbringing in Hartcliffe has greatly influenced his work. He described his childhood as challenging, which instilled in him a sense of resilience and resourcefulness. 'It makes you resourceful, resilient,' he said. 'I write about what I know, and what I know is life on a council estate. ' Paul hopes that his experiences can inspire aspiring filmmakers from similar backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of representation in the industry. He stated, 'Our industry is hard. It’s very competitive and there are not enough seats at the table. I want everyone to have a fair crack of the whip no matter where they come from.