VIDEO: From Croydon to Hollywood (From Croydon Guardian)

VIDEO: Romantic comedy The Knot by Croydon's Enrico Tessarin and Davie Fairbanks

6:50am Thursday 4th October 2012 in Local news By Hannah Williamson

A film maker who started his career as an amateur in Croydon will use his local cinema to launch his breakthrough feature starring Hollywood actors.

Producer Enrico Tessarin who lives in Crystal Palace, produced romantic comedy The Knot which is released across London on Friday and is being screened at the Vue cinema in the High Street, Croydon.

The film, which stars BAFTA winner Noel Clarke, as well as Mena Suvari, Talulah Riley and Matthew McNulty, was co-written by Davie Fairbanks, an actor, writer and director who lives in Waddon.

The 38-year-old's career has come full circle, after it was kick-started in Croydon more than 10 years ago.

Mr Tessarin said: "My career as a film maker began in Croydon as I was one of the last recipients of the Croydon Short Film Fund and I won an award at the Croydon Film Festival.

"I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for the fund and those awards. I made my first short film all those years ago in Croydon and I have come back to Croydon with my first feature film, it is like a dream come true."

Mr Fairbanks will be among members of the cast and crew at Vue cinema on Sunday (October 7) to introduce the first screening of the film in the borough.

The 39-year-old said it was bizarre to think his film will be in a cinema a stone's throw from his home.

He said: "It is quite weird and a little surreal. I am at a stage where I really just want people to see it.

"We are really proud of what has come out and what we have been able to do with such a low budget. It really did take a lot so for it to be well received that will be a just reward."