Festive chocolate rom-com filmed in Cornwall makes international splash

A Cornish film made on a micro-budget is not only making a splash internationally but it will have you gorge on your favourite chocolate. The Chocolate Club is a festive romantic comedy filmed entirely on location in Cornwall this winter.

Writer and director Deborah Hadfield made the film in memory of her twin brother following his sudden death in 2021. Now the rom-com that's all about chocolate, and features some of the top chocolate producers in Cornwall, is making a name for itself on the international scene after being nominated for five awards at the Nice International Film Festival.

Deborah said: "Cornwall has always been a sanctuary for me. When my twin brother Garry died suddenly in 2021, it helped me heal from his death." The director won more than 50 awards with her last film, We Too Together, which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. The movie sold all over the world, from North America to South Korea. Deborah, who was born in the Midlands, chose to film entirely on location in Cornwall.

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Deborah added: "The breathtaking scenery was part of the attraction for choosing Cornwall. It was also important for me to collaborate with as many Cornish people too, as they share my passion for the South West."

The Chocolate Club has picked up nominations for Best English Language Film and Best Director. Cornish star and leading lady Kate Edney, a regular on TV series Casualty, has been nominated for best actress. Leading man Josh Taylor, who can be seen in Amazon Prime’s Alex Rider series, has been nominated for best actor. The film’s editor Kant Pan, who received an Oscar nomination for The Crying Game, has been nominated for best editor.

“I am thrilled that the film is getting such recognition and it’s a tribute to the hard work of all involved that we have picked up five nominations at such a prestigious event,” Deborah added.

The film is based around a support group nicknamed The Chocolate Club, where seven strangers search for faith, hope, love and chocolate. It will be screened at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20 for buyers around the world. Deborah and her team are attending the festival to support the movie.

Iconic Cornish locations like Fistral Beach, Newquay, Lusty Glaze Beach, Watergate Bay, Mylor Harbor and Maenporth Beach are the stars of the film. Deborah said her team is grateful for the hospitality and support of the people based in Cornwall.

Deborah, a former TV presenter and reporter for ITV, BBC, AL Jazeera, and Arise TV, said the scenery of Cornwall helped make her low-budget film look a million dollars. She added: "Working on a low budget means relying on the goodwill and generosity of the Cornish people, who embraced us like family.

"The rugged beauty of the beaches, cliffs and countryside of Cornwall helps make the film look like it cost millions. For me, the county is like having one of the best real-life film studios in the world."