Selected for the Great 8 2023 Showcase Presented by BFI & British Council, in partnership with BBC Film and Film4

CHUCK CHUCK BABY

Directed by: Janis Pugh
Genres: Musical, Comedy, Drama
Cast: Louise Brealey (Brian and Charles, Sherlock), Annabel Scholey (The Split), Sorcha Cusack (Mrs Brown’s Boys), Celyn Jones (The Almond and the Seahorse)
Written by: Janis Pugh
Produced by: Anne Beresford, Adam Partridge, Andrew Gillman, Peggy Cafferty
Production Company: Artemisia Films Ltd
Co-Producers: Delta Pictures
Financiers: BFI, BBC Film, Ffilm Cymru Wales, Moment Film Group
Release year: 2023
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Duration: 101 min

Synopsis:
A film of love and loss set amongst the falling feathers of a chicken factory. Featuring the inspiring music of Neil Diamond, Janis Ian, Minnie Riperton and others. 

Present day, industrial North Wales. Helen, late 30’s, spends her nights packing chickens and her days caring for dying mother-figure Gwen. 

Helen’s mundane world takes a surprising turn with Joanne’s return; they were the objects of the other’s secret teenage passions. Encouraged by Helen, Joanne starts a playful wooing game.  As they fall in love, Helen’s zest for life returns but Joanne feels the walls close in as she faces something darker from her past. Helen’s world shatters when Gwen dies and Joanne’s painful memories make her flee.

Both women reflect on their unfulfilled chance before finding the courage to let go of the past and allow their love to win.

“the delightful - and potential breakout hit - Chuck Chuck Baby”

”As plaintive as a country western ballad, the gritty, feel-good Chuck Chuck Babyshould delight romantics and introduce the work of Janis Pugh to a much wider audience.”
Review from Screendaily

“Janis Pugh’s musical still manages to be an audience-pleasing winner.”

”The performances are excellent, with Brealey in particular embodying such a sympathetic tone that you can’t help but root for her throughout.”
Review from Cineuropa