A FILM distributor from Allithwaite is helping to bring a powerful film about persecution of albinos in Tanzania to British audiences.

Justine Atkinson is responsible for distributing ‘White Shadow’, which was produced by Hollywood star Ryan Gosling, in the UK.

The former Cartmel Priory School pupil is the Director of Aya Distribution - a sales and distribution company with a focus on African cinema.

“Allithwaite is an unusual place to discover a love of African cinema, as there isn’t much of it to be seen around the area,” said Justine, who now lives in Glasgow.

“But I did an internship in Lancaster for a charity called Stepping Stones Nigeria, and my role with them was to distribute a Nollywood film.

“Through film I discovered Africa in a way I had never seen before – I started Aya because I felt that it was very important to show African stories told by African people, rather the negative western portrayal we are so used to seeing in the media.”

‘White Shadow’, the debut film from director Noaz Deshe, takes audiences inside the life of a young albino boy, Alias.

The film screened in London over the weekend and received a four star review in the Guardian.

It is travelling to 14 locations across the UK, and coming to Kendal’s Brewery Arts Centre on April 8.