(Image: Supplied)
A FILM originally planned as a 12-minute short has grown into an approximately 40-minute historical documentary.
The Hartlepools Bombarded tells the story of the German naval attack on the Hartlepools during the First World War and will open the Tees Valley International Film Festival with a premiere at ARC Stockton Arts Centre at 11am on November 12.
Written and directed by Mick Child, the 40-minute film combines historical research, family stories, interviews, animation, and dramatic reconstructions to explore the events of December 16, 1914, when German warships attacked the North East coast.
Mr Child said: "When we first discussed this film, I imagined something lasting around 12 minutes, using material we had already filmed for The Baby Killers.
"Then the Tees Valley International Film Festival stepped in and offered its support, and suddenly the possibilities became much greater."
At the centre of the documentary is 12-year-old Maisie Maddison from Shipley, who researched her family's direct connection to the bombardment and shares their story on screen.
She tells the story of her great-grandmother Annie and Annie’s baby sister, Eleanor Neacy, who is widely reported as the youngest victim of the bombardment.
The film has grown into a collaborative effort involving museums, heritage organisations, actors, and communities across the North East and Yorkshire.