Sussex film The Presence of Snowgood wins Best Director award at international festival
14th October
Sussex film The Presence of Snowgood wins Best Director award at international festival
Heathfield, East Sussex — The locally-made feature film The Presence of Snowgood is continuing its remarkable run of success, with director Leigh Tarrant, Skooch Media, formerly of Heathfield, taking home Best Director (Feature Film) at the MK International Film Festival in Milton Keynes.
The award marks another major milestone for the Sussex-based production, which was filmed extensively across East Sussex and involved dozens of local creatives.
A proud moment for Heathfield’s Leigh Tarrant
Tarrant, who grew up in Heathfield, described the win as “sheer delight and total surprise, especially when you see the films you’re up against.”
He was quick to praise his crew, saying, “It was a great honour to pick up such a prestigious award,” adding thanks to the “team Snowgood film-makers who made the project come to life with all their professionalism, creativity and time.”
Made in East Sussex – and thriving worldwide
Filmed at a range of striking Sussex locations including Peacehaven cliffs, Hadlow Down, Burwash, Arlington, and Rye, The Presence of Snowgood showcases the county’s cinematic potential. The production, managed by Neill and Debs McKenzie, relied heavily on local cast and crew. The film crew included Tony Sims, Ian Skelton and Jack White, one of the youngest involved; who has now gone on to pusue his passion for film at university in London. The cast included Tom Malt, Sarah Maur Ward, Caroline Monroe and rising star Holly Roberts.
The story unfolds in the fictional village of Snowgood — a place of secrets, legends, and mystery — blending British folklore with slow-burn suspense. The film has already earned praise for its atmosphere and authenticity.
From local screens to international stages
Following screenings at the Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells and the Hailsham Pavilion, and around the country, Snowgood is now reaching new audiences abroad.
Next on the calendar: the Show-Lo Film Awards at the Arizona White Mountains Film Festival, where producers Neill and Debs McKenzie will represent the Sussex film in the American independent movie scene.
Local success, global recognition
For Heathfield and the wider East Sussex film community, The Presence of Snowgood stands as proof that independent filmmaking can thrive outside London — and that small-town collaboration can lead to big-screen recognition.
