The Odeon in Swadlincote, South Derbyshire took the film on release and at time of writing (9 August) the film is still showing at the cinema with more screenings to follow.
Like her previous award-winning short films Swadlincote was Deborah's primary filming location for PIN CUSHION and the film shot over 26 days at a number of locations including the local school and the Town Hall.
The film's reception in Swadlincote is testament to the power of screening films with strong regional and local connections and links. The inspiration for PIN CUSHION goes all the way back to Deborah's youth in Swadlincote and the bullying she experienced at school and how she dealt with that aspect of growing up. “In my heart, I knew I wanted to make this film, because it's so personal to me,” she commented. “It was hard going back to where we filmed because that was the school where it all happened.”
Word of mouth is really strong, people have been getting turned away!
Deborah has attended a number of screenings at the Odeon in Swadlincote to introduce the film and host Q&As, meeting audiences and talking about the film. “The town hasn't had a feature filmed here before and it's been hugely exciting for everyone,” she commented. “People have been flocking to see it. Everyone seems to have really loved the film too, and word of mouth is really strong, people have been getting turned away!”
The sense of pride and interest in the film from Swadlincote residents has led to people doing a tour of PIN CUSHION locations and posting photos of themselves on social media.
The film is still screening at key venues but Swadlincote Odeon remains the top site in terms of box office for the film and in an official statement Odeon commented, “We are really excited to be able to offer guests the chance to see PIN CUSHION - the critically acclaimed independent film that was shot in the local area. We’ve already had several sell-out screenings of this incredibly popular film, and look forward to welcoming more guests through our doors in the coming weeks!”
“I've had so many messages of support and congratulations and there really does seem to be a sense of pride of having a film set here, and people are really celebrating it.” Deborah commented. “It really means a lot to me that the film has been so embraced and it's been such a boost to Swadlincote people, especially because the majority don't seem to be typical cinema goers.”
Here are a couple of reviews from Swadlincote audiences posted on the film's Facebook page…
“I went to see this with the wife as was filmed locally and honestly didn't expect such an original, amazing work of art. Not an empty seat in the house and the quietest I've ever known a cinema as everyone was glued emotionally. Highly recommended.”
“Heard a lot about this film so had to go and watch it and it seems it was filmed in my home town! Such a real storyline that more people need to talk about. I hope this film goes far and wide! And that people learn from it!”
Not an empty seat in the house and the quietest I've ever known a cinema as everyone was glued emotionally. Highly recommended.
