University lecturer’s feature film ‘Traveller’ starring David Essex, is to be screened at Errol Flynn Filmhouse

Traveller, a feature film starring David Essex which was directed by University of Northampton lecturer Benjamin Johns, will be screened at the Errol Flynn Filmhouse in Northampton on Friday 31 January.

The film stars Billy Cook, Lois Winstone, Kerry Hayes, Kan Bonfils and Jason Maza, and also features musician David Essex as Blackberry the gypsy horse trader. It depicts the tale of a young half gypsy who becomes involved in a doomed robbery.

The film is Benjamin John’s directional debut, following seven years producing which has seen him be nominated for a BAFTA before moving into directing six years ago. It was released on DVD nationwide in December 2013 following a limited cinema release by Metrodome Distribution, and has reached number 16 in the Tesco DVD chart.

Benjamin commented:  “I am very proud of my directorial debut feature film. I was drawn to the story and immersed myself in the world before shooting began. We captured a world that has much interest yet rarely seen on the big screen. All our extras are real travellers. This is a story about a young man’s journey of self-discovery but as he finds having a foot in both worlds brings lots of trouble for himself and the people he cares for. I am very pleased with the emotional journey that the film takes the audience on and my lead does the role proud in his first film.”

A special screening for University staff and students is being held at 2pm (on Friday 31 January), where Benjamin will be in a Q&A session afterwards with star Kan Bonfils. It will also be screened to the public at 9pm, with tickets priced at £8.50 for adults, and £7.50 concessions. The film carries a 15 certificate and tickets can be booked by calling the Box Office on 01604 624811 or by visiting the Errol Flynn Filmhouse website.​