The man who gave Oswestry its name: Oswald film to feature at Cannes

Whiteblade is a short film based on the early life of Anglo-Saxon King and Saint Oswald, who has links to Oswestry.

The film follows his adventures as he comes out of exile to claim the kingdom of Northumbria, years before he died in a battle in Shropshire.

While residents of Oswestry have been aware of the town's namesake for centuries, the film's creator, Mark Hindman-Smith, said he wanted to bring it to a wider audience.

The name Oswestry is thought to be a corruption of 'Oswald's Tree'. Legend has it that Oswald fought a great battle against the pagan King Penda of Mercia. Oswald was defeated and killed in the battle, and Penda, as a warning to others who might challenge his rule, dismembered Oswald's body and hung his limbs on the branches of a tree - hence the name 'Oswalds Tree'.

He said: "Oswald was a real historical figure, invading his homeland of Northumbria in order to take it back from the tyrant, Cadwallon, having been exiled since he was a young boy. The film gives a snapshot of this journey from exile to king, culminating in the historic battle of Heavenfield and shows his ruthless determination to succeed.

"The series will tell the tale in more detail and carry on to tell of Oswald's other achievements – the bringing of Christianity to Northumbria, rebuilding of York Minster, founding of Lindisfarne and the expansion of his Kingdom to gain the titles of King in the North and eventually King of Briton.

"Oswald's death and the legend surrounding it is shrouded in miracles and early Christian 'magic'. His achievements are highlighted by the fact that he is the first English saint, even though he reigned for only eight years."

Mr Hindman-Smith plays the role of King Oswald as well as writing and directing the film.

He said: "I was determined that the story of this amazing seventh century king should be brought to the public's attention in an entertaining way.

"I'm really excited that the film is now a reality. Writing the story has been extremely enjoyable, the character is fascinating to play and the battle and fight scenes are the largest and most ambitious to ever be attempted on a project this size, employing over 300 battle crew and involving stunts in waterfalls, multiple weapons and opponents and a never before attempted shield-wall jump."

The film also stars Anthony Webster as King Penda of Mercia and Sha'ori Morris, who lives near Shrewsbury, as Eanflaed, Princess of Kent, who was kidnapped by Penda and later went on to be Queen of Northumbria and founded Whitby Abbey.

Filming wrapped on September 30 and the shots are now being edited with a view to the finished film being shown at the Cannes Film Festival next May

Mr Hindman-Smith said: "The short will be shown at festivals and pitched at large production companies with the view to obtaining a budget to make a series, following the whole life of this amazing, real life historical figure, spiced up with a little filmic fantasy."