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The Merseyside locations to feature in new Bill Nighy film

BBC Films Leon and Saleh are sitting on fairground horses on a golden merry-go-round. Leon has short combed-back grey hair, is wearing glasses, and a grey coat. Saleh is wearing a grey beanie hat, has a grey beard, and is wearing a navy jacket.BBC Films
Actors Bill Nighy (l) and Makram Khoury, who play neighbours Leon and Saleh, filmed scenes in Wirral and Liverpool

Locations from across Liverpool star as part of a new BBC film featuring the award-winning actor Bill Nighy.

A Town in Nova Scotia is about an Irish widow who decides against moving to Canada so he can launch a campaign alongside his neighbour, to make their ageing block of flats safe from fires.

The film has been part-financed by BBC Films and is the first full-length film to be part-funded by the Liverpool City Region Production Fund, which also backed BBC dramas This City is Ours and The Responder.

Director Babak Jalali said he was "thrilled" to work on the project.

The story begins when Nighy's character, Leon, is asked by his daughter to move away from his flat in Liverpool and join her in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia.

But after hearing about a tower fire in London, Leon sets out repair his home, and enlists the help of his neighbour and closest friend, Saleh, played by Makram Khoury.

"A Town in Nova Scotia is about community and camaraderie in the latter phase of life and choosing how and with whom you want to spend that particular phase," said Jalali.

He has produced the film alongside Paradise City Films, and Liverpool's Jennifer Monks, for the North-West-based production company The Fold.

Jalali added: "I couldn't wish for a more thoughtful, ambitious, dedicated and kind set of people to take this film out into this big, strange world."

Here are some of the filming locations Merseyside residents might recognise when the film is released.

Leasowe Beach

Getty Images Three people stroll with a dog on the golden sandy beach with steps going up to a white lighthouse tower surrounded by green shrubs and trees. Green hills can be seen in the background.Getty Images
Director Babak Jalali said the film was about "community and camaraderie in the latter phase of life"

Marine Promenade, New Brighton

Oliver Mills/geograph Blue leisure venues can bee seen next to the car park on the promenade. There are kiosks above the water reflecting the buildings.Oliver Mills/geograph
The movie - financed by BBC Film and Liverpool Film Office - will be sold at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival this May

Magazines Promenade, New Brighton

EPA Two women holding umbrellas over their heads shelter fromthe gust and rain on the promenade. A white lighthouse and red tower cranes can be seen in the background on the River Mersey with their lights twinkling in the dark sky.EPA
The release date of the film, which used local crew and trainees, is yet to be confirmed

Filming locations included Our Lady of the Annunciation - Bishop Eton RC Church in Liverpool and Alexandra Business Park in St Helens.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said:"The Liverpool City Region has always been a place where powerful stories are told – and increasingly, it's where they're made too."

He added: "We're growing a truly world-class film and TV sector, creating skilled jobs for local people, and showcasing our region on an international stage.

"I'm proud that our region continues to be a place where creativity, talent and ambition can thrive."

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