A CONTROVERSIAL film about the Catholic church received glowing praise when it was premiered in Callington last Thursday. A sell-out audience attended the national film premiere of ?Conspiracy of Silence? in Callington Town Hall, which raised almost £1,000 for charity. The movie by John Deery was made in 2002 using Callington as one of its locations ? but it was never released in the UK, despite having success in America and Australia. Among the audience were members of the Prim Raf Theatre, who appeared as extras during the filming when Callington was transformed into the Irish town of Galcranagh. The UK premiere of Conspiracy of Silence was the result of negotiations between the Times and sales agent Beyond Films to allow the people of Callington to see the finished film. The company agreed to a one off public showing when it heard that townspeople had found problems getting hold of a copy of the movie. Callington was selected from hundreds of locations for its similarities to Irish working towns. Street signs were changed and shops were painted green. One retail establishment became the local newspaper office where much of the story is centred. Conspiracy of Silence tackles the subject of celibacy and the Catholic Church in the 21st Century. Alex Ward, who was responsible for the Prim Raf?s involvement in the film, said she was very impressed by the movie: ?It was really good ? a lot of people came out a bit shocked but that is good because it?s a film that makes you think, it?s controversial,? she said. Callington Town Council arranged the premiere and Cllr Chris Thomas said the evening was fantastic. He said: ?A grand premiere like this is a great coup for Callington and people really enjoyed the film ? it?s a story that has to be told and it has the extra interest of featuring Callington locations and faces. ?We are grateful to the Times for enabling us to raise a terrific sum for charity.? Mr Thomas also praised local entertainer Jim McIntyre who sang songs with an Irish flavour before the film started. Macmillan Nurses and the Children?s Hospice South West are to benefit from the ticket sales, with cash made from refreshments going to Callington?s Christmas lights campaign.
