Film channel TCM (Turner Classic Movies) is pleased to reveal that the winning film from this year’s TCM Classic Shorts competition is Leaving (UK) directed by Richard Penfold and Sam Hearn and produced by Rachel Drummond-Hay who take the lion’s share of the £10,000 on offer. The announcement was made today at the competition’s ninth annual ceremony hosted by actor and comedian Ben Miller as part of The Times BFI 52nd London Film Festival. Six films were chosen from hundreds of entries received from Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The top three places were decided by an illustrious panel of judges including; Rutger Hauer, Wolfgang Peterson, Cillian Murphy, Stephen Woolley, James Franco and Jason Isaacs.

TCM Classic Shorts winning film Leaving was shot in Bristol, the twenty-two minute film tells the story of one woman’s attempt to leave an abusive relationship. Starring 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’

A hit with the judges, Cillian Murphy described the film as ‘a powerful, tense and beautifully handled piece about a very difficult but important subject. Actors, director, writer and cameraman all deserve great praise’. Rutger Hauer said, ‘This film just hit me harder than any other. It stayed with me and moved me deeply, which is hard to do. Felt it was courageous and painful. It deserves my best vote’, whilst Wolfgang Peterson thought, ‘Circling story, representing the never-ending circle of abuse, with precise and controlled storytelling. The director is clearl"y in command and the actors are wonderful’.

The winners and finalists will be shown on TCM UK on the weekend of 15th and 16th November, with the top 3 showing on Saturday 15th after the 9pm film. To view a trailer: http://www.leavingfilm.co.uk/

Leaving is a product of Social Film Drama, which is an innovative partnership between communications and film production companies, Glennie McIntosh in Chippenham and Omni Productions in Bristol.

Social Film Drama uses the power of the moving picture as a valuable tool to deliver a dramatic, sensitive and authentic treatment of social issues. Using this approach the medium powerfully connects the audience to real emotions and real people that lie behind the assumptions, stereotypes and prejudices of our society. For more information go to: www.socialfilmdrama.com.

For further information on TCM Classic Shorts log on to: www.tcmclassicshorts.com

For more information about TCM log on to: www.tcmonline.co.uk