As reported by News OnTheWight back in August, punk princess and cult actress Toyah has been on the Isle of Wight this week, filming in Freshwater Bay and on Ventnor beach.
She stars in a new short film called ‘Weightless’ produced by Ventnor resident Rowena Amos and her film company, 9 of Cups Productions.
It is written by Lewes based playwright Louise Monaghan, previous winner of the coveted Papatango Theatre prize and directed by Lois Norman who is known for her award-winning art-house work and stories from female perspectives.
Amos: Toyah was incredible, she was so dedicated to the role
Producer, Rowena says,
“It’s an honour that Louise asked me to produce her film, as a writer I have worked with her for several years at Southwark Playhouse, and her scripts are always beautiful, powerful and provoking. Although this is a simple story, half of the film is set in the sea.
“Toyah was incredible, she was so dedicated to the role and in the week before undertook a schedule of both cold-water and sea swimming to prepare.
“It was really challenging filming in the sea, Toyah was pushed to the limits giving this performance, she did an amazing job. Toyah told me she really loves the Isle of Wight and is looking forward to coming back for a short holiday in Ventnor once her Anthem tour is complete.”
Award-winning script
The script for ‘Weightless’ has already won several awards including the 2022 London Story Prize.
It tells the story of Maureen, a woman alone on a beach, facing her inner demons and battle with her body.
One of the biggest mental health killers in the UK
It’s a personal theme for writer Louise Monaghan, who was anorexic as a younger woman,
“Anorexia is one of the biggest mental health killers in the UK, and it’s a lifelong struggle.
“It never really goes away, and that’s something which just isn’t openly discussed.”
Island connections
The film has a host of well-known Isle of Wight names attached to it, stills photographer Gianpaolo Mario Giancovich, musician JC Grimshaw is helping with the score, whilst his sister Angelina Grimshaw worked on the crew on costume, many may not know she has a degree in fashion, as well has being a musical talent.
Writer, director, producer and actor all female
Director, Lois Norman comments,
“It is really unusual to have a project with four women in the main roles as writer, director, producer and actor.
“I really connected to the story, especially as it portrays an older woman.
“There’s an expectation that women over sixty should be at home doing knitting, so we wanted to shatter those stereotypes.”
Support from FilmWight
Filmwight, the Island’s official film office, helped organise logistics for the shoot.
Film Officer, Dave Russell says,
“The Island has so much to offer TV and film, with such a wealth of locations in such a small area.”
The Island also boasts a lot of TV and film expertise, for example the BBC’s Silent Witness and ITV’s The Larkins are both edited here.
The film is now in post-production and due for release at the start of next year, where it will be entered into the international film festivals.
Find out more
For more information go to Weightless Website.
News shared by Rowena, in her own words. Ed
Image: © Gianpaolo Mario Photography
