We’re pleased to spotlight Tor Lewa, a powerful new character-driven thriller rooted in community filmmaking that we’ve had the pleasure to support, which has recently wrapped filming.
Tor Lewa is directed by Paul Holbrook (Boys Like You, Hungry Joe), a proudly working-class filmmaker from Hartcliffe in South Bristol, whose work marries grounded social realism with compelling genre storytelling. Despite growing up on a rough council estate and building his career without formal film school training, Holbrook’s films have been recognised across the UK and internationally for their emotional authenticity and powerful character focus, earning selection and multiple awards at BAFTA, BIFA and Oscar-qualifying festivals worldwide.
Tor Lewa is written by Frank C. Keogh, who also stars, delivering a raw and intimate exploration of trauma, masculinity and maternal resilience. The film’s title derives from Pashto, meaning “Dark Wolf,” reflecting the film’s psychological intensity and its haunting central metaphor. Its synopsis reads: “Haunted by a dark past and stalked by a monstrous wolf, an unstable alcoholic who teeters on the brink of submission, whilst his mother fights to save him.”
Lead cast includes Lorraine Perez (nee Stanley) (London to Brighton, EastEnders, Legend), Anna Acton (The Bill, Doctors, EastEnders) and Matt Bardock (Manhunt II, Doctor Who, The Coroner). Filming took place across Bristol in mid-February, at key locations including Victoria Park in Bedminster, The Robins pub in Ashton, Armada House near Stokes Croft, and Hengrove Community Centre.
The producer is Bristol-based Sonia Wargacka (left), who has previously worked on some of the biggest productions made in the region, including Sex Education, Industry, Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light and His Dark Materials.
Sonia says: “It’s always a pleasure to shoot in Bristol, as this city features immense talent and everyone is always ready to help. We brought over 100 people on board to make this film happen, including local crew, supporting artists, suppliers and facilities, and we’re very happy with the result.”
Cinematography is by James Oldham, whose work emphasises atmosphere and emotional proximity, visually mirroring the protagonist’s fractured inner world while capturing Bristol’s landscapes with a raw, textural sensibility. The editor is Ben Williams-Butt. Executive Producers are Jason Maza, Keeley Gainey, Ian Sharp and Sharp House.
The film was supported by regional partners including All Set West, Bristol Film Office, Create Studios, The Bottle Yard Studios, Films at 59 and VI Rental.
We love the strength of collaborative Bristol filmmaking behind this exciting project and look forward to its release!
All photos by Dot McCormack