THE STORY
Inspired by true events, THE WICK is a dark, period thriller, set in the early 1800's in rural England, seventy-three years after witch hunts were banned. When Esther, a local herbal healer, witnesses her sister's murder at the hands of a lawless but influential religious leader, she realizes only she can put an end to the deceit, blind ignorance and barbarity of these outdated beliefs for good.
A disturbing tale of deceit and persecution of a woman who fights for justice against a lawless witch hunter. THE WICK is a universal and topical short film about strong women, women's rights and resonates with the #MeToo and #TimesUp issues.
THE REASON
To this day, countless numbers of people, mainly women and children are still being accused of witchcraft and persecuted around the world. They have no rights, no voice and are condemned by misguided beliefs. This is why our story needed to be told.
STAGE: Festival Circuit
THE WICK entered its film festival circuit last year and had its theatrical World Premiere at Montana International film festival (MINT) on October 1st 2020. Although the Covid-19 pandemic has severely impacted festivals worldwide, this hasn't stoped THE WICK. With over a dozen Official Selections so far, as well as winning awards and gaining nominations at National and International film festivals which we can't wait to attend when it's safe....we're on a roll!!!
NEWS & REVIEWS
'It has a reassuringly bucolic feel that balances perfectly with the dark story that gradually unfolds....in short, The Wick is a triumph....you're in for a real treat" (CLICK ICON TO READ)
"This is a short film that really offers the full package - a wonderful luscious period production design, a powerful score, and a theme that is both timeless and relevant." - Dustin Curtis Murphy, Festival Director.
"Michelle has some absolute pearls of wisdom for anyone wanting to create and star in their own work!" - Angela Peters, Festival Director. (CLICK ICON TO WATCH)
"The Wick manages to pack a witchy-punch in just fifteen minutes with a story we think we know but is delivered bravely by not compromising, with scenes that are arresting as much as they are brutal." - Amanda White, Festival Trustee.
"Brilliant short! The music was great and the lead actresses performance was excellent." - Prano Bailey-Bond, Director.
Watch behind the scenes footage of horror film shot near Chichester starring former Doctor Who actor - (CLICK ICON TO READ)
The triple threat Actor-Producer-Writer talks to the squad about her latest film The Wick, #MeToo and achieving her goals against all the obstacles, while staying true to her vision. - (CLICK ICON TO LISTEN to the Podcast)
CAST
ESTHER - Michelle Coverley
ZACHARIAH - Ian Reddington
AGNES - Rowena Meddeman
JOHN - Beau Fowler
FLORA - Julia Leyland
PEGGY - Kerry Hurst
CREW
PRODUCERS - Michelle Coverley & Ludovica Musumeci
DIRECTOR - Sabine Crossen
SCREENPLAY - Michelle Coverley
DOP - Tania Freimuth
COMPOSER - Hollie Buhagiar
EDITOR - Kant Pan
SOUND DESIGN - Michalianna Theofanopoulou
PRODUCTION DESIGN - Karijn Nijmeijer
COSTUME DESIGN - Emma Clark
HAIR & MAKEUP DESIGN - Josie Connell
COLOURIST - Pooya Kooshanezhad
AWARDS
Winner - Best Music - Top Indie Film Awards 2020
Winner - Best Editing - Top Indie Film Awards 2020
Winner - Best Hair & Make-up - Birmingham Film Festival 2020
Nominee - Best First-Time Filmmaker - Birmingham Film Festival 2020
Nominee - Best Costume - Birmingham Film Festival 2020
Nominee - Best Costume - TweetFest Film Festival 2020
Nominee - Best Short - Top Indie Film Awards 2020
Nominee - Best Director - Top Indie Film Awards 2020
Nominee - Best Actress - Top Indie Film Awards 2020
Nominee - Best Cinematography - Top Indie Film Awards 2020
Nominee - Best Sound - Top Indie Film Awards 2020
Nominee - Most Terrifying - Top Indie Film Awards 2020
Nominee - Best Ensemble Cast - FilmQuest 2021
Nominee - Best Costumes - FilmQuest 2021
Nominee - Best Production Design - The People's Film Festival 2021
FESTIVALS
Mint Film Festival 2020 (Montana, USA)
CINECITY Brighton Film Festival 2020 (UK)
Weyauwega Int. Film Festival 2020 (Wisconsin, USA)
Birmingham Film Festival 2020 (UK)
TweetFest Film Festival 2020 (UK)
Montreal Feminist Film Festival 2020 (CANADA)
Jaipur International Film Festival 2021 (INDIA)
Horrible Imaginings Campfire Tales 2021 (California, USA)
The People's Film Festival 2021 (UK)
Julien Dubuque Int. Film Festival 2021 (Iowa, USA)
Harrogate Film Festival 2021 (UK)
Unrestricted View Film Festival 2021 (UK)
FilmQuest 2021 (Utah, USA)
Fastnet Film Festival 2021 (IRELAND)
Ramsgate International Film Festival 2021 (UK)
Queens World Film Festival 2021 (New York, USA)
M.E. Film Festival 2021 (Georgia, USA)
Twister Alley Film Festival 2022 (Oklahoma, USA)
Horror film shot just outside Chichester - (CLICK ICON TO READ)
Actor, writer and producer, Michelle has just released the short film The Wick. We talk to her about that, witchcraft persecutions ancient and modern, the role of horror in entertainment, conspiracy theories and more!. - (CLICK ICON TO LISTEN)