Get the popcorn ready! On 29 February we will be releasing our REBORN IN FILM series, co-commissioned and made with Reading -based production company Barracuda Films.

In 2021-23 Reading Rep Theatre partnered with Barracuda Films to create five short films to celebrate  Reading’s growing artistic community and spirit. Both companies are committed to working with local Reading- based talent. These shorts have been made with a local cast and crew, filmed in local Berkshire locations.

Reading Rep will release the series of films to their website on Thursday 29th February and the theatre will host a launch event to celebrate the release. Access to the films will be free and all films will include subtitles.

Cassie Barraclough, Producer at Barracuda Films said “Reading Rep Theatre and Barracuda Films found ourselves questioning how theatre plays a part in our increasingly digital world. REBORN IN FILM was conceived to forge a link between theatre and film, to expand the theatre’s collaborative work into a new digital space, and to reach new audiences.

Each film was shot in just one day (or less!), on a shoestring budget. Our team was made up of a mixture of professional and trainee talent, and we were proudly diverse throughout our cast and crew. Each short has its own distinct tone, and has been produced in the spirit of invention, experimentation and playfulness.

Chris Cuming, Reading Rep’s Head of ENGAGE said, “Reborn in Film, shows how Reading Rep works with our local artists, creatives and film makers to create innovative and meaningful pieces which not only speak about the theatre but of issues affecting our communities. It is great to see our work expanding into new mediums – we are not just a venue for live theatre, workshops and community projects but now for digital work as well. Our Engage programme engages participants from early years through to care homes and these films celebrate all areas of the work we do across our award winning outreach programme.”