Selvedge - a sci-fi film made in Hertfordshire after Hertfordshire Film Office connected producers with the ideal shooting locations – is making waves across the independent film sector.

With a storyline following mixed-species families of AI and humans fleeing their homes due to prejudice, Selvedge has been entered into more than 40 film festivals and will soon be streaming on Dust, the short film sector’s equivalent of Netflix.

Hertfordshire Film Office helped bring the production to fruition by finding filming locations for the team. This included Woodoaks Farm, Berry Farm, Space Film Studios and the disused Bovingdon airfield strip, which were adapted by the film’s production designer to create a futuristic sci-fi look. Hertfordshire Film Office also attended on shoot day to provide support.

Hertfordshire Film Office Manager, Pippa Cawdron, said: “We’re thrilled to celebrate Selvedge, a powerful short film supported by Hertfordshire Film Office. Despite a tight budget, we connected the team with iconic locations like Space Studios and Bovingdon Airfield Studios, collaborating with Dacorum Borough Council to make their vision a reality. A shining example of female directorial excellence, Selvedge highlights what’s possible with collaboration and creativity.”

Selvedge’s world premiere took place in December as part of the British Film Institute's 225 Film Club which celebrates female directing excellence. Director Aleksandra Czenczek was at the helm of a production that involved a multicultural cast and crew from diverse backgrounds including writer Mehzeb Chowdhury, actors

Amelie Leroy, Olufemi Ajibade Houghton, and Ella-Rose Minott, and producers Adriana Kulig and Amina Hassam.

Amina said: "Hertfordshire Film Office very kindly put me in touch with various people and locations who were happy to step in and agreed to support our project. Both Bovingdon Airfield Studios and Space Film and TV Studios very generously allowed us to use their land and facilities as our unit base for our shoot.

“This project would not have been possible without their help and support, the team are hugely grateful for allowing us to film in these sought after locations. We will certainly continue our relationship with Hertfordshire Film Office and use them again for future projects.”

A second screening of Selvedge took place in March at the Film and TV Charity’s Golden Square venue in Soho. More than 60 people attended to celebrate the film including cast, crew, stakeholders and partners who included: Hertfordshire Film Office; Space Film and TV Studios; Bovingdon Airfield Studios; Woodoaks Farm and the Soil Association; Dacorum Film Office; Bob's Bits; Base One Café; Shift 4 and Chief TV.