Hucknall born Andrew Hulme was in attendance for the Broadway screening of his debut feature for a post-film Q&A. He dubbed the experience more nerve-racking than the film’s showing at Cannes, which was ultimately met with applause from the audience there.
The film in question, Snow in Paradise, was five years in the making, mainly due to his struggle to obtain funding, which he eventually found in France and Germany rather than the UK. The film follows David, played excellently by newbie Frederick Schmidt, who is drawn into East End crime by his charismatic and well established criminal, Uncle Jimmy. It is loosely based on the true story of Martin Askew, who – kind of weirdly – plays the part of Jimmy, who is based on his own Uncle, ‘The Guv’nor’ Lenny McLean (who he has co-written another film about, set for release later this year). The actual story has changed names and is heavily fictionalised, however the journey of a criminal finding peace in Islam is Askew’s real life story.
In the current post-9/11/Lee Rigby/Charlie Hebdo kind of world, a peaceful and positive portrayal of Muslims is a novel one. Although some Muslims are extremists, a larger percentage are understandably horrified by the actions that have been taken in their name, so viewpoints like this are perfectly welcome. The Muslims here are portrayed as selfless and helpful to a mysterious man who may well be dangerous. David finding Islam in the film is subtle and not forced, the story’s plot points not being his actual conversion.
Hulme has done a great job with his first film as writer and director. He has worked primarily as an editor in the industry since the nineties, working the likes of The American, Lucky Number Slevin, Gangster No. 1, and the Notts shot Control. Though, strangely enough, not Snow in Paradise.
The film is shot beautifully by cinematographer Mark Wolf and the story is engaging and tense, helped by some great characters and performances, as well as humour throughout its 18 certificated antics. Schmidt reminds of Tom Hardy when he is in full cockney swagger, and Askew is actually really really good.
Andrew Hulme, though now living in London, advised us all that his next project will probably be shot in Nottingham, but was unable to divulge more. Watch this space.
Snow in Paradise was shown at Broadway Cinema on Tuesday 10 February 2015. It only has a limited cinema release in the UK but can be viewed on demand.
Snow in Paradise Facebook
Snow in Paradise on Curzon Home Cinema
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