Cumbrian Film Crew Making Feature-Length Movie Through Community Spirit

A Cumbrian film crew is breaking new ground in filmmaking by creating a feature-length movie through community spirit and collaboration, marking a fresh chapter for independent cinema in the region.
The project is being driven by Ember Production, a newly established independent film outfit based in Cumbria. Rather than relying on conventional external funding, the team is working closely with local people and communities across the county, attracting more than 150 members of cast and crew who have volunteered their time and talents.
At the helm of the project are director Szilard Pusztai, from the South Lakes; producer Attila Németh, from West Cumbria; and Charlie Wilkinson, director of photography from Leeds. The trio met through education and personal connections Szilard and Charlie at The Northern Film School and Attila as a family friend and formed Ember Production three years ago with the aim of forging their own path into the film industry.
Charlie explained that traditional routes into filmmaking often feel restrictive, and that their community-focused model allows people passionate about cinema to contribute regardless of budget. “It’s all about bringing people together, supporting each other and making some good movies,” he said.
The crew’s upcoming project, N.E.S.T Project, is the first instalment in their planned The Eight Saga film series and is already well into production. Set in a dystopian world ravaged by a solar flare, the story explores how society collapses and is reshaped under the mysterious N.E.S.T organisation where the promise of freedom masks a darker reality.
Filming has taken place in and around locations such as Frizington, Whitehaven, Rydal Caves and Hodge Close Quarry, as well as other parts of the UK. The team’s community ethos extends beyond production: volunteers often camp together during shoots, sharing meals and experiences, creating a sense of festival-like camaraderie that many participants describe as inspiring and unforgettable.
Szilard said the aim is not only to complete the film but also to build a creative hub in the Lake District that can support future productions and nurture local talent. Ember Production plans to offer workshops in acting, directing and cinematography to help young people and adults alike gain practical experience in the industry.
The group hopes to finish filming for N.E.S.T Project by the end of the year and submit the movie to film festivals in early 2027, cementing Cumbria’s place on the independent filmmaking map.