‘It’s incredible to be recognised at such an international level’

A BURTON film director is showcasing her next movie at the Cannes Film Festival today - alongside Hollywood stars like Tom Cruise.

- By JOSEPH RICHARDS

Deborah Hadfield's action romantic comedy, Chinese Whispers, was filmed on location in the Midlands and the South West of England in the winter of 2024/25.

The writer and director, who was born in Burton on Trent and started her career on newspapers in Lichfield, said Tom Cruise and the Mission Impossible premiere dazzled at the festival.

Her own film has already been nominated for six awards at the Nice International Film Festival.

Deborah added: "Our movie may not have the big budget of the blockbuster, but it is such a thrill to know we are screening the same year as Tom because he is my hero.

"His passion for making movies is something I share with him. Creating a feature film at any level is a labour of love that aims to thrill the audience.

"It's incredible to be recognised at such an international level. I am thrilled that the talents of our team are being honoured."