Bristol based Omni Productions’ short film ‘*Leaving*’ has been chosen as one of six finalists shortlisted for the ninth TCM Classic Shorts Competition.

Film Channel TCM (Turner Classic Movies) annual short film competition is one of the most highly regarded awards for new talent in the British film industry. Held in conjunction with the Times BFI London Film Festival, it attracts hundreds of entries from Europe, The Middle East and Africa.

The winner will be announced at the award ceremony in London on 29 October 2008. The film and ceremony will also be screened on the TCM channel in November 2008.

The twenty-two minute film tells the story of one woman’s attempt to leave an abusive relationship. Staring Kierston Wareing (BAFTA Best Actress Nominee– It’s a Free World) and Johnny Harris (London to Brighton) ‘Leaving’ aims to offer a glimpse into the long and arduous process of safely leaving an abusive relationship, as well as confront the deep-rooted misconception that those living with domestic violence ‘should just walk away’.

LEAVING was shot on location in Bristol, Chippenham and Devizes, and developed in house at Omni from script to screen. It was produced in collaboration with communications agency Glennie McIntosh under the Social Film Drama Initiative for Wiltshire Police, Swindon Women’s Refuge, the NHS and the NSPCC.

Key international figures who will judge the final films include: Wolfgang Petersen, Istvan Szabo, Agnieszka Holland, Mikael Hafstrom, Rutger Hauer, James Franco, Nick Goldsmith and Garth Jennings aka Hammer and Tongs.

Richard Penfold, writer and co-director of Leaving said, “We are thrilled – It has always been a personal ambition of mine to reach the final of the TCM competition. I feel genuinely proud to be associated with this film and to have had the opportunity to collaborate with a team of such creative talent. This success is a direct result of all our dedication and hard work.”

The competition rewards the top three film makers with £10,000 of prize money (1st prize – £5,000; 2nd prize – 3,000; 3rd prize £2,000), with all six finalists getting exposure across all the TCM EMEA territories, making it one of the most valuable competitions of its kind.

LEAVING can be seen at this years Encounters Festival, as part of the Best of British: Made in the South West programme, and on ITV West on the 18th December @ 11:30pm.

The trailer for the film can be viewed at: www.leavingfilm.co.uk