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Story of disabled Darlington fan flies to Venice Film Festival, down Oscar path

Give Them Wings, an upcoming film about the struggle of Quakers fan whose battle with meningitis as a child left him disabled, has finished production and began down the Oscar path.

The movie, which is undergoing final edits, follows the story of wheelchair-user Paul Hodgson who “was told he would only live to five but is now 55” and has been sent to Venice Film Festival – an Oscar qualifier.

Give Them Wings has been accepted but not yet selected, though the team will know in the coming weeks.

… The story of his childhood struggles with the disease, which looks at life as a disabled person, filmmaker and Darlington football fan, has attracted a cast including Toyah Willcox and film newcomer but previous Byker Grove actor Daniel Watson, who plays Mr Hodgson.

Now, the low-budget film which was seven-years in the making and relied on a crowdfunding campaign, is on the Oscar trial, hoping to be shown major film festivals and “navigate the narrow corridor” to the Oscars.

• Continue reading at The Northern Echo. Browse further info on Give Them Wings at longdogproductions.co.uk. See some photos from the film at darlingtonfc.co.uk.

Toyah will be appearing in the film Give Them Wings directed by Sean Cronin. The film is raising funds to complete production. Find out how to donate and about the film including Toyah talking on camera about her role in the video above.

Give Them Wings will follow in the footsteps and the success of the incredible biopic true story of Christy Brown, My Left Foot which in 1989 at a budget of $600,000 grossed $15m at the box office, Billy Elliot at a budget of $5m grossed $99m at the box office and The Full Monty at a budget of $3.5m grossed $257m at the box office. Untouchable, with a very similar narrative to Give Them Wings at a budget of $10.5m and grossed $366m.

• Continue reading at toyahwillcox.com.

Toyah Willcox to visit the region ahead of starring in film about Darlington man’s life

Toyah Willcox is preparing to play the mother of a North-East football fan in a movie about his life.

The popular musician and actor will visit the region next month to attend a showcase event hosted by the team behind Give Them Wings, an upcoming feature film about Darlington man Paul Hodgson.

Ms Willcox is the latest cast member announced for the project, which tells the story of Mr Hodgson’s battle with childhood meningitis, which left him unable to move or speak. She will join a team including award-winning director Sean Cronin and Holby City actor Bill Fellows in bringing the PIMM Productions venture to the big screen.

• Continue reading at The Northern Echo.