A FILM about an abusive relationship, which was co-produced by a Chippenham company, has won a prestigious award.

Leaving, which was put together by Glennie McIntosh in Chippenham and Omni Productions in Bristol, won the TCM Classic shorts 2008 film competition as part of the London Film Festival last week.

Shot partly in Chippenham, the 22 minute film tells the story of one womans attempt to leave an abusive relationship and stars BAFTA nominee Kierston Wareing.

Executive producer, Ian Glennie said: “We wanted to tell a compelling story about what it feels like to be trapped in an abusive relationship and make it as authentic as possible.

“We couldn’t have made this film without the input of victims, Swindons Women’s Refuge and the many people who work on the front line to support victims of abuse.”

The announcement was made on Wednesday October 29 at the competitions ninth annual ceremony hosted by actor and comedian Ben Miller, as part of The Times BFI 52nd London Film Festival.

Six films were chosen from hundreds of entries received from Europe, The Middle East and Africa.

The top three places were decided by six judges, including Rutger Hauer, Wolfgang Peterson, Cillian Murphy, Stephen Woolley, James Franco and Jason Issacs.

Rutger Hauer, who starred in Blade Runner and Batman Begins said of the film: “This film just hit me harder than any other. It stayed with me and moved me deeply, which is hard to do.”