The Captain Set to Premiere at CineCity Film Festival

This November, staff, students, and graduates from MetFilm School Brighton will proudly showcase their talents with the global premiere of The Captain at the CineCity Film Festival on 16 November. This micro-budget feature, directed by award-winning filmmaker and MetFilm School lecturer Jamie Patterson, is a true celebration of emerging talent and industry expertise in British cinema.

The Captain takes viewers through the darkly comic tale of Fergus, a retired sea captain with a penchant for trouble. After a sudden crime spree involving a mobility scooter and a local newsagent, Fergus finds himself under house arrest in the vibrant, scenic landscape of Brighton. Leading the cast is Hollywood actor Patrick Bergin, known for Sleeping with the Enemy alongside Julia Roberts and Patriot Games with Harrison Ford, who brings Fergus to life in this quirky, character-driven film. Bergin, a former Brighton resident, spoke highly of the creative energy in Brighton, sharing that “it was tremendous fun, working with a great team” from MetFilm School.

Jamie Patterson, who wrote and directed The Captain, expressed his excitement for the upcoming premiere. “The Captain has been a labour of love, a real collaboration between seasoned professionals and talented students keen to make their mark on the industry,” he shared. “Working with MetFilm School graduates gave us access to incredible talent, allowing us to create something truly unique.” Produced by Patterson’s own Jump Start Productions, which he established in 2008, The Captain was shot over just 10 days, entirely on location in Brighton, showcasing the city’s unique atmosphere.

This production exemplifies Patterson’s dedication to hands-on, practical experience for students. With support from MetFilm School, Patterson brought together industry professionals and recent graduates for an authentic, on-set learning experience. “We decided to make a micro-budget film every summer with our graduates– It’s a fantastic way for them to transition into the industry with real-world experience.” Patterson explained. He’s already written the first draft of next year’s project and will soon be interviewing students to join the next team.

MetFilm School graduates Nicolas Augusto (27) and Joseph Graham (25) took on key roles in the production, with Augusto co-producing and Graham serving as editor. Reflecting on his experience, Augusto said, “Working on The Captain was incredible! Most film school graduates don’t get the chance to work on a feature film straight out of university, so to be a part of the journey in such a key role was truly remarkable.” Graham echoed this sentiment, sharing, “It was such a great opportunity to be able to work on a feature film right out of university. I loved being on set with everyone and seeing each department at work.”

The Captain’s soundtrack is another collaborative highlight, featuring original music from BIMM Music Institute students and lecturers. Patterson emphasised the importance of music in the film, saying, “Music plays a key role in The Captain, bringing a raw, emotional layer to the story. We’re grateful for the incredible talent who contributed.”

The CineCity screening of The Captain marks an exciting milestone for both Patterson and his team, bringing their hard work to the big screen. Patterson hopes audiences will enjoy the film’s blend of dark humour and human insight. “Making a film for the love of it – that’s what this project has been about. It’s wonderful to relive that excitement through the eyes of our graduates and remind myself of the pure passion that drives us to create,” he reflected.

The Captain premieres on 16 November at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA). Tickets are available on the CineCity Film Festival website, and the screening promises to be a celebration of fresh voices in British independent cinema, supported by MetFilm School Brighton.