To launch the release of new feature film Big Boys Don’t Cry, Screenbound Pictures will be premiering the film at the Everyman Chelmsford on Monday 5th September helping to raise funds for the charity Kids Inspire. The screenings will be followed by a special Q&A hosted by Paula Ashfield, Head of Fundraising & Communications at Kids Inspire, where she will be joined by author and inspiration behind the film Paul Connolly, chief executive and clinical director of Kids Inspire Sue Bell OBE, Olivier award-winning actress and Patron of the charity Ruthie Henshall and the film’s executive producer Richard Hart.
Following Paul Connolly’s harrowing yet inspirational true life story, having grown up in the notorious St Leonard’s Children’s Home in Hornchurch in the 1970s, Big Boys Don’t Cry sees Paul, played by Michael Socha, recall his traumatic childhood at the home following a police investigation into his boyhood friend’s suicide. As Paul struggles to build a relationship with Anthea (Zoë Tapper), he is forced to confront those responsible for his shattered childhood and the death of his friend.
You can watch the film’s trailer in the player below:
Many others suffered various forms of abuse by the home’s staff and the housemaster, Bill Starling, was eventually jailed in 2001 for 14 years for the horrific crimes he committed.
Sue Bell OBE, Clinical Director and CEO of Kids Inspire says “Paul Connolly’s story is one of hope. After experiencing years of extreme abuse at St Leonard’s children’s home in Essex, followed by years of gang-related violence in London, he turned his life around. Despite leaving the care system illiterate, today Paul is a specialist physiotherapist and sports injury expert, personal trainer and best-selling author. He works with charities and advocates for victims of historical child abuse. Above all else, he is the proud father of two boys. We provide specialist trauma-informed therapy and support to children and young people just like Paul. Our sincere thanks go to him for supporting Kids Inspire’s services, raising awareness of the adversity children and young people can face and for inspiring hope for a positive future.”
Big Boys Don’t Cry will be screening in the UK with special charity partners + available on DVD from 5thS eptember. Available to rent & buy on VOD from 7th October 2022. Grab your tickets to the charity screening right here.
