Doc's movie in line for a BAFTA (From Stourbridge News)

Doc's movie in line for a BAFTA

2:14pm Tuesday 22nd January 2008 in Local

A FILM featuring a campaigning Hagley doctor is in the frame for an award at this year's BAFTAs.

The movie Taking Liberties' examines civil rights in the UK during the Blair premiership, including protests by consultant neurologist Dr David Nicholl at a Birmingham factory he says makes shackles for use at the controversial Guantanamo Bay detention centre.

Bromsgrove based director Chris Atkins has been nominated for The Carl Foreman award for Special Achievement by a British Director, Writer or Producer in their First Feature Film.

Dr Nicholl, of Woodland Avenue, said: "The exposure makes a huge difference for a film made for half-a-million pounds.

"The film does a fantastic job of making something like this entertaining and really shows the importance of ordinary people getting involved and making a difference."

Narrated by TV star Ashley Jensen, Taking Liberties takes a humorous look at how Atkins believes the Blair government stole personal freedom, it received critical acclaim after it's cinema release in June last year.

The 2008 BAFTAs will be marking their 60th anniversary of celebrating excellence in film, TV and video at a glittering ceremony on Sunday February 10.

Atkins will be lining up for the award against Mia Bays (Scott Walker: 30 Century Man), Sarah Gavron (Brick Lane), Matt Greenhalgh (Control) and Andrew Piddington (The Killing of John Lennon).

Dr Nicholl says he would love to attend the ceremony but expects to be joining millions of people by tuning in to watch on TV.