Director, 17, gets 'amazing' reaction

STARS of the show . . . (from left) Katie Quinn who plays Emma, director Nick Connor, Megan Grady (Mia) and Rhys Cadman (Rob)

A HOME-GROWN film got the red carpet treatment when it received a rapturous reception at Oldham's new Odeon cinema.

It was a proud moment for director Nick Connor, from Royton, as he witnessed the premiere of "Northern Lights".

Star of the film, Katie Quinn and fellow actors Rhys Cadman and Megan Grady were there to watch the movie, filmed near Nick's home, capturing the disappearing orange glow of Oldham's soon-to-be-replaced sodium street lighting.

Amazing

Mossley artist Chris Cyprus, who inspired the film through his "Northern Lights" series of paintings, was also in attendance as well as Nick's exceptionally proud mum and dad, Brian and Geraldine.

"We had around 170 people at the event, with some amazing feedback," said Nick (17), who is currently doing his A-levels.

"The event was so powerful for me, people were walking out of the cinema crying and feeling emotional, telling me what triggered them.

"We never expected the film to be a tearjerker or to cause so many laughs, everyone emoted in their own way.

"Everyone was so caught up with how funny young Megan Grady, who plays Mia was, which turned into some fantastic audience giggles.

"I'd like to say a massive thanks to Odeon for all their help along this journey.

"Without an organisation like that helping young filmmakers such as myself there will be no more cinema as the future filmmakers will be going on to Netflix and YouTube ­- lacking that cinematic experience for the audience."

• Check out all the our pictures from the Northern Lights premiere on our picture sales page.