More Leeds Beckett film school graduates gain international success

The world of Welsh horror has been given a boost after the release of The Mill Killers from director and graduate of Leeds Beckett University (LBU) Northern Film School, Aled Owen. Teaming up with producer and fellow LBU alum Tom Rawding, Owen has just secured a worldwide release for their feature film debut.

The film, originally called Scopophobia, stars an all-Welsh cast and was filmed on locations in and around Carmarthen, Aled's hometown, as well as in Swansea and Middlesbrough. Ellen Jane-Thomas, who plays Mia in the film, won Best Supporting Actress at the Dead Northern Film Festival, while The Mill Killers was also screened at the prestigious Frightfest event in London.

Aled and Tom met at LBU's Northern Film School, graduating in 2019, and this is their debut feature together, although they're already planning their next project through their Melyn Pictures collaboration. The fact that The Mill Killers can be watched on major streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime, Apple TV, iTunes, Google and Sky means they'll gain some richly deserved global exposure.

Reflecting on the part LBU played in his career, Owen said: "I absolutely adored my time at Leeds Beckett. I met so many lifelong friends there who are still a big part of my life. When I decided to make this film, my first call was to Tom Rawding who studied producing with me at Leeds Beckett. Together we assembled the film's crew, largely made up of Leeds Beckett alumni. I credit all of these important relationships (both personal and professional) to Leeds Beckett and the Northern Film School, as well as our confidence and ability to do the work of course!"

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