Discover a film festival rooted in the South West, celebrating the landscapes that have inspired generations of storytellers. From the wide skies of the Somerset Levels to the dramatic sweep of the Jurassic Coast and the raw wilderness of Dartmoor, experience the region in breathtaking cinematic splendour.
West of Frame brings together a curated mix of films from the past and present, while looking boldly towards the future. A celebration of place, creativity, and the enduring pull of the South West on the screen.
The Pull of the South West
Celebrate a region that has inspired filmmakers for generations with a film festival showcasing iconic films shot in and inspired by the South West’s extraordinary landscapes. From the rolling countryside of Far from the Madding Crowd and the classic charm of The Titfield Thunderbolt to the cult comedy of Hot Fuzz and the contemporary drama of Savage House, discover the places and stories that have made this corner of Britain a star of the silver screen.
Far From The Madding Crowd (2015)
Our festival kicks off with Thomas Vinterburg’s 2015 adaptation of Far From the Madding Crowd. Inspired by traditional agricultural communities and set in Victorian England, by utilising the historical architecture and woodlands within Beaminster, Abbotsbury, and Sherbourne, alongside Victorian costuming, the fictional town of ‘Wessex’ is bought to life in this period drama.
South West locations used in this film span from Durdle Door, Dorset to the Iron Age hillfort ‘Maiden Castle’ in Dorchester.
Durdle Door: The stunning natural limestone arch located along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset features in both the 1967 and 2015 adaptations of Thomas Harding’s novel. A pivotal scene is set with this dramatic scenery, as Sergeant Frank Troy goes for a swim in the rough waters surrounding the arch at Durdle Door beach.
Savage House (2026)
We follow suit with another period drama, Savage House. At the height of the 18th century pox outbreak and Jacobite uprising, Sir Chauncey and Lady Savage blindly pursue a better life. The environment of the South West shows the high class of the Savages, highlighting heritage through the Gothic architecture of Montacute House.
Montacute House: The magnificent Elizabethan Renaissance mansion is located near Yeovil and provides the grand setting and rich atmospheric scenery for this bold new film. Montacute House acts as the sole location for the dark comedy and highlights the opulence of Georgian living.
The Titfield Thunderbolt (1953)
The sense of community found within the South West is emphasized within The Titfield Thunderbolt as the residents of a small English village are about to lose their ancient railway. They decide to attempt to rescue it from closure by buying up the line and running it themselves, putting them in direct competition with the local bus company.
Famously set in Somerset, it has several links to the South West from Monkton and Freshford to Bristol Temple Meads.
Midford Viaduct: The eight-arch brick and stone railway bridge located near Bath is featured in the film’s iconic opening sequence, which was largely filmed along the Camerton branch line. Today, both the viaduct and the memory of the movie hold significant historical value in the surroundings areas of Bath.
Hot Fuzz (2007)
This cult classic film directed by Edgar Wright majorly draws inspiration from the quaint villages found in the South West. Taking a satirical approach to the sense of community and tradition found in the countryside, an overachieving London police sergeant is transferred to a village where the easy-going officers object to his fervour for regulations, all while a string of grisly murders strikes the town.
Wells: The fictional village of ‘Sandford’ was recreated in the Somerset town of Wells, in a variety of quaint locations from the iconic pub exterior, filmed at ‘The Crown at Wells’, to Wells High Street and Market Place, acting as the centre for the movie’s car chases and dramatic shoot outs.
Home to the remarkable landscapes that captivate viewers, the South West remains an exceptional choice for directors to bring stories to life. From The Titfield Thunderbolt to Hot Fuzz, the dynamic landscape of the South West enables a multitude of stories to be bought to the big screen.
From beautiful listed buildings to coastal havens, where better to watch the films that celebrate these unique landscapes than the Brewhouse?
For further information and to book tickets, click here or contact our Box Office on 01823 283244. You can also email us at boxoffice@tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk.
