Maureen Lipman wins award for gritty new film role

The Dog That Couldn’t Bark, a film shot and produced entirely in Suffolk, has scooped Dame Maureen Lipman an award at the acclaimed NEIFF (North Eastern International Film Festival).

Dame Maureen picked up the ‘Best Performance’ gong for her portrayal of Rebecca, an elderly woman who shares a deathbed secret with her palliative care nurse. The film, written and co-produced by Suffolk resident, Paul Rainbird, was up against tough opposition at the festival held in the north east which annually attracts a global audience and submissions. Over 100 other films were shown over the course of three days but it was Dame Maureen’s stark betrayal in the short film, tackling themes of sexual abuse and forgiveness, which stole the limelight.

Henry Tomlinson, Suffolk-based director and producer of the film, who was in Newcastle to accept the award on behalf of Dame Maureen said, “This award is so richly deserved - for Maureen to have agreed to play this part gives you an idea of her bravery and talent as an ‘A’ list actress. Honestly? I think, understandably, she was terrified when she first read the script as it involved us navigating a very dark place.”

“Once she had given up sending me suggestions of other actors who ‘could play the part much better than me,’ and accepted that she was the only one I wanted for the part she went all in.

This award reflects her commitment to the film. Her performance is absolutely mesmerising.”

Dame Maureen said, “I must say it was the originality of the script which attracted me to Henry’s film. It was bleak, sardonic and without sentimentality. I couldn’t wait to get started.”

Lisa-Marie Tonelli, MBE Founder/Festival Director of the North East International Film Festival, said, “The Dog That Couldn’t Bark is a deeply affecting piece of filmmaking that captures both the resilience and fragility of the human spirit in a way that stays with you long after the credits roll. Dame Maureen Lipman’s award win for ‘Best Performance’ is a testament not only to her extraordinary performance, but also to the film’s emotional power and storytelling. “It has been a privilege to showcase such a moving short at NEIFF and to celebrate the talent and creativity driving independent cinema forward in the north east and beyond.”