A KIDDERMINSTER director has helped to create a "powerful" short film based on hours of interviews with male domestic violence survivors.

Directed by Kidderminster's Fernando Antonio Maffei, Damage tells the story of Rav, a man who is trying to find a way out of his relationship with controlling and abusive fiancé Emma.

Fernando teamed up with Worcester-based Testarossa Productions, which he also worked with to create short films The Taxi and Who's There - both shot in Kidderminster - and Inspirit Productions.

The project also has the exclusive support of men's domestic violence charity Mankind.

Fernando told The Shuttle: "As a director in the Midlands I hope to play my part of a little cog in building something amazing.

"The foundation for filmmakers in the Midlands is growing an I'm proud to of played apart in that. My film family just keeps growing and growing and it’s beautiful.

"Film is an organic process and when I was approached to direct this film I knew it was something I wanted to work on as it carries such a powerful story."

The film was shot by BAFTA-nominated cinematographer Alex Metcalfe and starred Jet Summan, from Holby City and Birds of a Feather, Jason Riddington, from Luther and Wuthering Heights, and Amy Shepherd, from WPC 56.

Small screen legends Bharti Patel, from Doctors, and Bhasker Patel, from Emmerdale, also feature in the film, which was shot in Worcestershire.

Fernando said: "Our plan going forward is to expand the Damage story into a feature film.

"The team also have several other films in various stages of development.

"Using cast and crew from Worcestershire, the team is committed to building a vibrant and sustainable film industry, promoting the region and building opportunities for local film professionals.

"There is a detailed commercial promotional strategy in place for Damage and the film is projected to show in film festivals around the world."