A HARD-hitting film about fascism is being premièred in Worcester.

Locally produced feature Barbarians at the Gate tells the story of a former British soldier who must race against time to avert a terrorist atrocity.

The gritty tale has been written and produced by Worcestershire author Roger Cottrell and stars a number of local actors.

Part of the movie was been filmed around the Kidderminster area and the result is a 30-minute preview that is being premièred at the Odeon cinema in Foregate Street, Worcester, on Wednesday, September 23.

The purpose of screening the preview is to secure funding and seek out co-producers who can help complete filming.

Explaining his inspiration for the screenplay, former journalist Mr Cottrell said: “In a classically constructed thriller like this one, the most important thing is that a strong story and plot is served by strong characters.

“But theme is important too, and Barbarians at the Gate is a film with something to say about contemporary Britain. In particular, it shows how a market-driven social crisis, combined with the corruption of public institutions, has made this country ripe for the rise of fascism as a significant force.” Mr Cottrell, who now lives in Ireland, described the feature as “one of the most significant movies made in this country for years”. For Worcester actor Math Jones, a familiar face of the amateur dramatics scene, the film could help launch his career.

“I have just graduated from Birmingham School of Acting and am pursuing a professional acting career from my Worcester base,” said Mr Jones, who plays a gangster called Burns. “This is my first acting job since leaving school, won from my first audition on my first day as an actor, so I’m very excited to be doing it,” he said The Barbarians at the Gate preview, produced by Blind Samurai Films Ltd, is directed by Tony Hailstone.