A WORCESTERSHIRE film has been put forward for the prestigious Sundance Film Festival.

Sundance, established by Hollywood actor Robert Redford, is the largest festival for independent films in the world and is considered second only to Cannes.

Now a gritty thriller written, produced and directed by Simon Tate, of Powick, near Worcester, has been hand-picked by the festival director for possible inclusion.

The Point of Regret tells the story of a small town journalist who must help a murderer take his own life if he wants to get the biggest story of his career.

Mr Tate has described the movie as a “fast-paced, psychological thriller”.

It was shot in and around Worcestershire, with many scenes set in Malvern and inside Worcester Cathedral.

“The festival director was over here in September viewing potential films,” said Mr Tate, who runs the company Emanation Films.

“He viewed The Point Of Regret and we have found out that we have made it through to the last round.

“We’ll know if we are one of the few films included in the festival mid-December.

“So we’re not in there yet, but it’s a huge vote of confidence from the industry and proves that even a small film from Worcester can have an impact in the world of independent film.”

Interest in the film is increasing thanks to a profile on the social networking site Twitter and an online trailer.

“The trailer is incredibly important,” said Mr Tate.

“It is the first port of call for distributors who will cut the deals to get your film in theatres, on DVD or television.

“If they aren’t hooked by the trailer, they won’t ask to see a copy of the film.

“Producers Penny Westley, Dave Francis and I spent a long time making sure that it was exciting and hinted at the story without giving it all away.”

While it is unlikely that The Point of Regret will be released in cinemas nationwide, it could still be shown in selected venues before being released on DVD.

“We have some people working on promoting it within the industry in North America right now and the initial feedback has been very positive,” said Mr Tate.

“That’s good news for us because it’s a raw, gritty European film.”

To view the trailer and follow the film’s progress, visit the website at emanation films.net.