A documentary about a retired Malham campsite owner and his lifelong fascination with UFOs is set to premiere this autumn.
The film, titled Malcolm’s Subject, tells the story of Malcolm Wilson, a well-known figure in Malham who has lived at Gordale House Farm since 1962 and ran the Gordale Scar campsite until its closure in 2023.
Directed by Blackpool filmmaker Anton Arenko, the documentary explores Mr Wilson’s passion for UFOs and other unexplained phenomena, as well as his efforts to connect with others who share his interests.
Filmmaker Anton Arenko, Malcolm Wilson and Iain Cash at Gordale Scar
(Image: UGC)
Mr Arenko said: "I got to know him and I found his interest is UFOs fascinating.
"He’s involved with UFO group at Todmorden and he hosts CE5 (close encounters) and stargazing events on his land at Gordale Scar."
Mr Arenko first met Mr Wilson while working as a location marshal on the Harry Potter TV series, which was filming at Gordale Scar in October 2025.
The name of a new documentary by Anton Arenko is called Malcolm's Subject
(Image: UGC)
Access to the filming site required permission from Mr Wilson, whose land was used as part of the production.
Mr Arenko said: "He had a very popular campsite at Gordale Scar which permanently closed in 2023.
"He told me he ‘wasn’t getting any younger’ so he retired.
"He always had an interest in UFOs but because the campsite ‘took over his life’ he could do anything with it.
"I think this in his way of reconnecting with people and ‘finding a community.’"
The filmmaker spent six months getting to know Mr Wilson and the UFO community he is part of before deciding to make the documentary.
He said: "At the start of 2026 I began to plan the film, however initially I struggled with wanting to pitch for funding.
"I felt that I couldn't afford to waste time to apply for it only for it to be rejected as the project was time sensitive.
"In April I decided to fund the production myself and we filmed over several days."
Mr Arenko was joined on the project by cinematographer Iain Cash, with whom he had previously worked on the documentary End to End.
He said the footage they captured was "brilliant" but is now seeking support to complete post-production.
Mr Arenko said: "The footage and what we captured is brilliant – However I need your help to get it put together and have to the sound music and colour grading looking as good as it can be and also enter it into festivals."
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise the necessary funds, with all donors promised a thank you credit in the film.
The documentary also highlights Mr Wilson’s unique method of outreach, which includes leaving post-it notes around Skipton inviting people to call him for a conversation about UFOs.
In recent years, he has hosted gatherings on his land to bring together others interested in the subject.
The film follows one of these CE5 events, which involve group attempts to make contact with extraterrestrial life.
The premiere of Malcolm’s Subject will take place at the Regent Cinema in Blackpool on Saturday, October 3, as part of the Film Vault Presents’ 10th anniversary.
Mr Arenko also hopes to arrange a screening in Skipton to share Mr Wilson’s story with the local community.
To support the completion of Malcolm’s Subject, donations can be made at gofundme.com/f/help-me-finish-my-malcolms-subject-documentary.