A FEATURE film set entirely on location in the Lake District is to have its first public screening at this year’s Keswick Film Festival.

The Raven on the Jetty, made by One Day Films Limited, explores the relationship between father and son after an acrimonious divorce.

The lead is played by 11-year-old Connor O’Hara, from Ulverston, whose father Rob plays his screen father.

The film tells the story of a boy travelling with his mother to visit his estranged father who, since the divorce, is living an isolated rural life in the Lakes.

The boy does not understand the bitterness of his parents or that his own dysfunctional behaviour is a silent cry for help.

But his encounter with the natural world gives him a gradual understanding of the connection he gives his, ultimately, lonely parents.

The talented duo first auditioned in November 2012.

Rob said: “Because the son in the film does not talk it was a very visual audition. I don’t know what they were looking for but my son must have fitted the bill!”

Connor has been part of community theatre productions since his first performance as Tiny Tim at the age of six. He also sings and plays the trumpet and has won awards at the South Cumbria Music Festival for acting, singing and piano.

Rob has been involved in community theatre for over 40 years, performing in places as diverse as Birmingham and Saudi Arabia.

A former secondary school maths teacher, Rob now runs a guest house and music venue, Sefton House, based in Ulverston.

The Raven on the Jetty was filmed over two weeks during April last year.

“Although it was freezing, it was a really enjoyable experience. This was the first film I had ever done so it was very different to being on stage. I had to really tone it down for the camera,” said Rob. “We’re both really excited to see the film again, although the first time I saw myself on screen I was rather critical but Connor was just fantastic, great to watch.”

The screening will be on March 2 at 1.30pm in the Studio at Theatre by the Lake, Keswick.

For details, see http://www.theatrebythelake.com/keswick-film-festival