From the left: Prince Felix, Prince Guillaume, Grand Duchess Maria-Theresa, Grand Duke Henri, co-producers Lynn Rothwell and Candice Allen-Olson, director Ray Tostevin and Joy Hoffmann of CNA of Luxembourg at the embassy where Mr Tostevin and the co-producers of Charlotte: A Royal at War received an award. (0644704)
GUERNSEY-born film director Ray Tostevin had a surprise as his latest documentary premiered in London. More than 200 guests attended the international London premiere of Charlotte: A Royal at War, at 195, Piccadilly, home of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
The feature-length film tells the story of Charlotte, the ‘propagandist in pearls’ who through the power of radio inspired the people of Luxembourg in the face of brutal occupation by Hitler’s army.
Charlotte’s grandson, the reigning Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, made a surprise presentation to the film’s director, Ray Tostevin, creative director of Somerset-based, independent Grace Productions.
At a ceremony held at the Luxembourg Embassy before last Friday’s premiere, Mr Tostevin and co-producers Lynn Rothwell and Candice Allen, were each awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre de Merite Civil et Militaire d’Adolphe de Nassau (Knight of the Order of Civil and Military Merit of Adolph of Nassau).
The special medal was in recognition of their artistic work in producing a film that brought to a wider public the extraordinary story of Grand Duchess Charlotte and her propaganda broadcasts on the BBC, regarded as a ‘lifeline of hope’ by her people in tiny Luxembourg as they endured Hitler’s terror regime.
Mr Tostevin, a former reporter with BBC Radio Guernsey, said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted at this official recognition of our film that sets out to tell a remarkable story of courage and hope.
‘The award is a great honour.’
After being so well received by audiences in Luxembourg, Grace is now looking to secure acquisitions from broadcasters in Britain and internationally.
‘BBC execs were there in force,’ said Mr Tostevin. ‘We’re in discussion about getting the film shown on British TV.’
Among the guests was Indian tycoon Lakshmi Mittal, boss of Arcelor Mittal, the world’s biggest steel producer, whose HQ is in Luxembourg.
‘Mr Mittal loves history documentaries and films,’ said Mr Tostevin, ‘and I’m planning to talk further with him about what possibilities there might be for getting an acquisition with an Indian broadcaster to screen the film in Hindi.’
The film was written and directed by Mr Tostevin and is a co-production between Grace Productions and le Centre National de L’Audiovisuel of Luxembourg and was filmed in London, Luxembourg, Ireland and USA.
The international (English language) version is narrated by British film and TV actress Geraldine James.
Article posted on 26th September, 2008 - 11.30am
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