GRANNY SHORT FILM

We urgently need your help to fund this true life female lead short film.

 

Lizzy Ashcroft debuted as a footballer at the age of sixteen in 1921 to an astonishing crowd of 30,000 people and played football for fifteen years.

 

Despite an inspiring career her family knew little of her achievements. Lizzy packed away all memorabilia relating to her footballing success in a suitcase in her attic, discovered by her Grandson after her death.

 

This short film tells us about Lizzy as an older woman living alone in Preston, in contrast to her ‘golden days’ travelling, playing sports and experiencing a freedom unlike her generation had known. The film explores why despite being a footballer for fifteen years, she finally had to retire in 1935 and subsequently pack away this important, happy, part of her life. It leaves us questioning how we don’t always truly know those who are closest to us.

 

We filmed in late October 2021 and have partial funding towards our target from a private investor and Avanti Trains who are creating an educational project around the film. We need to raise an extra £7,000 for the post production. We are urgently seeking support from local businesses, charitable foundations and private individuals. We aim to embody the community spirit and generosity of The Dick Kerr Ladies whilst creating a film which celebrates them and the North West.

 

December 2021 marks the centenary of the FA's ban on women playing on their pitches, which is why we want to tell this story now. The themes centre around family and loneliness, which connects with the current pandemic. In a world where people are always battling for equality and awareness, this very human story feels timeless. To show how far we’ve come and yet how far we still have to go.

Help us make this film and inspire future generations, where no one has to hide their successes.

 

CREW

 

Director - FRANCIS CASTELLI

www.franciscastelli.com

 

Producer/Director of Photography- IAN LIVESEY

www.ianlivesey.com

 

Executive Producer - DEBORAH SHAW

www.nylandershaw.com

 

Writer /Producer - MICHELLE CRANE

www.imdb.me/michellecrane

 

Producer and Grandson of Lizzy Ashcroft - STEVE BOLTON

Twitter: @STEPHEN11981196