A documentary on the life and times of one of Huddersfield’s most eccentric men is to be unveiled to cinema lovers at an international film festival.
Cinephiles and inquisitive visitors travelling to Leeds in November will get a sneak peak into the off-beat world of Jake Mangel-Wurzel when Mr Somebody is screened during the renowned Leeds International Film Festival.
Click below to watch the trailer
It is the latest boost for the movie’s director, Michelle Heighway, who beat off strong competition to gain the prized spot alongside hundreds of other films from around the world and first screened the film at the Sheffield Documentary Festival in June.
Talking about getting a place at the festival, which this year celebrates its 28th year, she said: “You never really know what to expect when you submit your film, so when I got the confirmation through I was really excited, especially because so many people send in their films to be picked.
“This year’s festival there will have the biggest selection of Yorkshire films since it began so it is great to be a part of that and it will be nice to introduce it to a new audience but I hope that people from Huddersfield will travel to see it as well.”
The film has also been listed in the festival’s cinema versa section, which celebrates the work of low budget and independent features.
Michelle, who lives in Huddersfield, now hopes to get the film shown in the town, so that residents can find out more about their intriguing neighbour.
She said: “I would love to to screen it in Huddersfield and am thinking of starting up a crowd funding campaign to help that happen.
“As an independent film maker it is very expensive to put on showings, which is why it has only been on show at festivals up until now.”
She became fascinated by Jake, 76, who lives a reclusive life with his dogs in a makeshift home in Lindley Moor and spent six years working with him to create the film.
Jake became well-known in the town for his sometimes controversial and interesting stunts and wacky antics over the years.
She said: “It covers a lot of topics that a lot of people can relate to, like depression, being an outsider and dealing with divorce as well as celebrating overcoming these issues and creativity.
“I also learnt a lot about myself through making the film, even though it focuses on him.”
The screening will take place on November 12 at 9pm in the Albert Room at Leeds Town hall.
