MF tractor stars at world premiere of Tortoise in Love film

A shiny red Massey Ferguson tractor graced the red carpet at the world premiere of the new movie, Tortoise in Love, at London’s Leicester Square on 24 May.

The tractor was chosen by the film’s producers to underline the rural links of this romantic comedy set in the village of Kingston Bagpuize, Oxfordshire.

The brainchild of local writer, Guy Browning, the film is the result of a massive community effort by villagers who rallied round to make the film happen. The entire cast and crew stayed with Kingston Bagpuize residents, the Women’s Institute organised catering on a vast scale, while props, costumes, make-up, driving and a thousand other logistical tasks were undertaken by the community.

Local Kingston Bagpuize farmer, David Christensen resplendent in dinner jacket and wellies drove the tractor to the venue where it joined a host of guests including 600 villagers and the stars of the film, Tom Mitchelson and Alice Zawadzki.

DEFRA’s Rural Development Programme for England provided a grant of £10,000 towards the cost of the film in recognition of its potential to build community spirit and promote the village as a tourist destination.

The film goes on release at cinemas in the UK on 13 July.