Catholic filmmaker enjoys West End premiere

The Insatiable Moon, a low-budget Kiwi film written and produced by a Catholic writer, had a timely opening at the Empire in Leicester Square on Friday March 4.

The film, produced and written by Mike Riddell, includes homelessness and mental health in its storyline. Its release coincided with a move by Westminster Council to ban the homeless from their streets.

The film from New Zealand has received enthusiastic reviews from audiences in its home country and is now beginning its British release. One commentator described it as a mix of “Ealing-esque comedy, social comment and spiritual speculation… funny, heart-warming and tear-jerking by turns”. Mr Riddell said that while the film is a story rather than an “issues” vehicle, it does seem especially relevant to current developments in Britain.

“The plight of people on the margins is a universal story,” he says.

Pip Piper, one of the producers, called on Prime Minister David Cameron to see the film, suggesting that it might give him food for thought in the face of rapidly increasing numbers of homeless on the streets. Advance screenings were held, and at one of these homeless people were present.

One audience member said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the film for what it was: a portrayal of a group of men with varying issues and the bonds that are formed when prejudice is all around you.”