The festive chocolate romance shot in Cornwall is making international noise

A Cornish film made on a micro-budget is not only wowing internationally, it’ll have you munching on your favorite chocolate. The Chocolate Club is a festive romantic comedy shot entirely on location in Cornwall this winter.

Writer and director Deborah Hadfield made the film in memory of her twin brother following his sudden death in 2021. Now the romantic comedy about chocolate and featuring some of Cornwall’s leading chocolatiers is making a name for itself on the international stage after was nominated for five awards at the Nice International Film Festival.

Deborah said: “Cornwall has always been a sanctuary for me. When my twin brother Garry died suddenly in 2021, he helped me heal from his death.” The director has won over 50 awards with her latest film, We Too Together, which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. The film sold worldwide, from North America to South Korea. Deborah, who was born in the Midlands, chose to film entirely on location in Cornwall.

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Deborah added: “The stunning scenery was part of the attraction for choosing Cornwall. It was also important for me to work with as many people from Cornwall as possible, as they share my passion for the South West.”

The Chocolate Club received nominations for Best English Language Film and Best Director. Cornish star and leading lady Kate Edney, a regular on TV’s Casualty, has been nominated for best actress. Lead actor Josh Taylor, who can be seen in the Amazon Prime series Alex Rider, was nominated for best actor. The film’s editor, Kant Pan, who received an Oscar nomination for The Crying Game, was nominated for best editor.

“I am delighted that the film is receiving such recognition and it is a tribute to the hard work of everyone involved that we have achieved five nominations at such a prestigious event,” added Deborah.

The film is based on a support group nicknamed The Chocolate Club, where seven strangers search for faith, hope, love and chocolate. It will be screened at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20 to buyers worldwide. Deborah and her team attend the festival to support the film.

Iconic Cornish locations such as Fistral Beach, Newquay, Lusty Glaze Beach, Watergate Bay, Mylor Harbor and Maenporth Beach are the stars of the film. Deborah said her team was grateful for the hospitality and support of the people of Cornwall.

Deborah, a former TV presenter and reporter for ITV, BBC, AL Jazeera and Arise TV, said the Cornish landscape helped make her low-budget film look like a million dollars. She added: “Working on a shoestring budget means relying on the goodwill and generosity of Cornish people, who have embraced us like family.

“The rugged beauty of Cornwall’s beaches, cliffs and countryside makes the film look like it cost millions. To me, the county is like having one of the best real-life movie studios in the world.”