University Hospital of Hartlepool is used as film set for new movie starring Laura Whitmore and Frances Barber

The University Hospital of Hartlepool, in Holdforth Road, has been used as a film set by the 2023 Oscar and BAFTA award-winning indie production company, Goldfinch and The Number 44.

The film, called A Mother for an Hour, follows the story of a woman who poses as the lost mother of a dying child.

Producer Kirsty Bell said: “The public will see brilliant actors portraying different versions of what defines motherhood and an understanding of social backgrounds and what people faced with adversity will do.

"It will take you on a myriad of emotions too.”

This is the company’s fourth feature film production in the north of England, shooting predominantly in Hartlepool, Newcastle and its surrounding areas.

Speaking about their decision to film in Hartlepool, Kirsty said: “I shot in Hartlepool many years ago and when the opportunity came to utilise the University of Hartlepool Hospital in our story we jumped at it.

"The locations and the surrounding areas offered us exactly what the film required creatively too.”

The film stars Laura Whitmore, Asia Argento, Frances Barber, Tamer Hassan and child actor Erin Ainsworth.

The film also features actors from Game of Thrones, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story and Interview with a Vampire.

Filming began at the hospital in October and is due to finish in the middle of November.

Producers Kirsty and Ben Charles Edwards are hoping to film more features in the area to help boost the region’s independent entertainment industry.

The film is expected to be released next year.