Film / News
Watch the new drama about Bristolian social reformer Hannah More here
Born into poverty in Fishponds in 1745, playwright, poet, philanthropist and champion of female education Hannah More was a complex woman who doesn’t fit easily into the neat boxes modern society likes to create for historical figures.
A politically conservative evangelical Christian, she has been portrayed as both an anti-feminist and a feminist pioneer. What is not in dispute is that More became one of the most influential women of her era. She set up two schools in Bristol. As a friend of William Wilberforce, she was also a staunch abolitionist.
An image from Hannah More
Her story is told in a new feature-length costume drama from Bristol’s Redcliffe Films, directed by Diana Taylor with Lily Maryon in the title role.
A collaboration between retired BBC staff and students from Bristol University, UWE, The Old Vic Theatre School and Bath Spa, Hannah More was filmed on location in and around Bristol.
It’s fair to say that the £35,000-budgeted feature has had mixed reviews and is unlikely to be screened in local cinemas. However, it has been made available to view for free on YouTube. Follow the link above. You’ll need to verify your age to watch it.
If you want to see it on the big screen and are prepared to make a journey, Hannah More will be shown in Gloucester at the Sherbone Cinema on Friday 1 April at 2.30pm, Tickets are £7, payable in cash on the door, with all proceeds to this independent cinema.
All images supplied by Redcliffe Films
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