Bermudian WWII film shortlisted for major award

A documentary about a Bermudian WWII soldier killed in action and his letters home has been shortlisted for an award at a major US film festival, the Bermuda Sun can reveal.

The news came after In the Hour of Victory, the story of the life and death of Major Toby Smith, told largely through his letters home to wife Faith, was selected for WorldFest Houston, the third-oldest international film festival in the world.

The film – based on the book by former Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith, the Major’s grandson, and directed by Lucinda Spurling and Andrew Kirkpatrick of Afflare Films – will screen at the festival on April 16.

Ms Spurling said: “To be selected to screen and attend the festival is fabulous. That starts our journey to an international audience, which will be great.

“We’ve also been shortlisted for a major award, which is fabulous.

“It’s a great validation of all our hard work and Jonathan Smith’s vision and commitment to the project.”