Suffolk has long been regarded as one of England’s most mysterious counties, where history, folklore and superstition are woven into the landscape. It is the home of countless ghost stories, the legendary phantom hound Black Shuck, the enigmatic Green Children of Woolpit and the lost town of Dunwich, much of which disappeared beneath the sea centuries ago. These enduring legends provided the inspiration for filmmakers Julien Mery, Matthew McGuchan and Nick Woolgar of FILM Suffolk to create an anthology celebrating the county’s rich supernatural heritage.
The journey began in the spring of 2023 with an open call for short film scripts from writers based in Suffolk and across the East of England. More than 100 submissions were received and assessed by a panel of readers, including the project’s producers, script development specialists and filmmakers, ensuring a broad range of opinions. As the scripts were ranked, a clear consensus emerged, resulting in a carefully selected collection of stories that would combine to form a diverse and compelling anthology.
Once the scripts had been chosen and developed, attention turned to assembling the creative team. Directors and cinematographers were approached individually and invited to join the project. Everyone involved – including the producers – worked entirely on a voluntary basis, making it essential to balance filming around people’s professional and personal commitments.
Following a successful crowdfunding campaign, principal photography began during the summer of 2024. Crews travelled across Suffolk, filming at a wide variety of distinctive locations that perfectly complemented the stories being told. The production relied heavily on the generosity of hundreds of local people, who contributed as cast members, crew, location owners, service providers and enthusiastic supporters. Their commitment and community spirit made the project possible.
The following two years were devoted to an extensive post-production process involving editing, sound design, original music composition, visual effects and additional photography. After years of collaboration and dedication, Once Upon a Time in Suffolk is finally ready to share its unique collection of stories with audiences.
The Stories
Crossing the Earth
Set in the present day, this poignant drama explores how legends are born. A grieving and isolated young boy becomes convinced that a famous local sculpture possesses healing powers capable of saving his fractured family, while his exhausted mother struggles to cope with the pressures of everyday life.
The Painters
In the 1820s, the young John Constable is persuaded by his best friend to try his hand at portrait painting after responding to a mysterious newspaper advertisement. His client is none other than the fairy-tale princess Rapunzel, who hopes a flattering portrait will help her find Prince Charming. Unfortunately, Constable has rather uncompromising ideas about artistic beauty.
Mawhini
Against the backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain, an ambitious property developer plans to build a luxury golf resort in rural Suffolk. His schemes begin to unravel when he encounters a sinister local cult fiercely protective of an ancient scarecrow, leading to a chilling supernatural confrontation.
Briar and Daughter
When two trainees are left in charge of a law firm specialising in magical disputes, they inherit a dangerous case involving a desperate mother who wants to escape a fairy bargain that promised away her child. Standing in her way is the malevolent fairy known as Clay.
A Mid-Suffolk Night’s Dream
A provincial amateur theatre company attempts to stage Shakespeare’s classic comedy, only to find themselves disrupted by mischievous fairies. When the magical visitors turn vindictive, it falls to the overlooked musical director to restore harmony before the production descends into chaos.
Red
A modern reimagining of the Red Riding Hood legend, this darkly comic thriller follows nervous vegan Rory on what should have been a romantic evening. Instead, he discovers his outspoken date, Sassaba, has rather more carnivorous intentions than he expected—and she may not be entirely human.
James and Flora
Set in a timeless fairy-tale world, devoted siblings James and Flora live a simple life tending their beloved garden and the bees that live there. Plagued by hardship, they are unexpectedly offered a wish that could transform their future.
Widdershins
Imaginative young Mia is desperate to save her older brother from the influence of a local gang. When an ancient Suffolk legend transports her back to the eighteenth century, she witnesses tragic events that mirror her own life. Can the lessons of the past change the future?
Ethel
A lonely woman finds solace in sea swimming along the Suffolk coast until she uncovers the truth behind the legend of the Wild Man of Orford—a mysterious merman said to have washed ashore centuries ago and whose story may not have ended in the distant past.
World Premiere
Once Upon a Time in Suffolk will receive its world premiere on Friday, 4 September, at the Abbeygate Cinema in Bury St Edmunds, with tickets now on sale.
Following the premiere, the anthology will embark on a regional cinema tour across East Anglia, with screenings already confirmed in Lowestoft, Halesworth and Colchester, while additional venues will be announced in the coming weeks.
Further screening information and ticket details can be found at linktr.ee/ouatis
and on the FILM Suffolk Facebook page: facebook.com/filmsuffolk
The film is also scheduled for release on a range of streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, during 2027.
