A LECTURER from Teesside University has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help distribute his new film.

Samm Haillay, a media production lecturer at Teesside, is asking for help to fund the distribution of his latest production, Light Years, and needs to raise at least £6,000 to help it be distributed throughout the UK.

He and director Duane Hopkins founded company Third Films together, and Light Years is its latest offering.

The film sees a young girl named Rose setting off on her own into the wilderness to find her mother. Her journey sets in motion the reunion of her fractured siblings and parents to face their challenges together.

The film is the debut feature film of BAFTA award-winning film maker and photographer Esther May Campbell, who is the director and writer, as well as the acting debut of singer-songwriter Beth Orton.

The Light Years’ cast includes both established actors and a few newcomers to the scene. It has been described as ‘a striking debut from a major new talent’ and ‘a feature of fragile beauty.’

Those who pledge to the film can receive special rewards depending on how much they give. Rewards include copies of the DVD, posters and, for £250, Mr Haillay will come to your organisation or film club to discuss his career as a producer.

Samm said: “Crowd funding allows us to build momentum and the more money we can raise, the more people will get the chance to see what we think is a stunning and beautiful film.”

The funding page is open until 25 July. You can find out more and make a contribution at - www.crowdfunder.co.uk/lightyears.