Kent-based film scoops top prize at the BAFTAs

The leading actress from a film set in Dover won a BAFTA last night for her performance.

Joanna Scanlan beat Lady Gaga and Tessa Thompson to the prize for best actress for her role in After Love.

The 2020 film, directed and written by Kent-born Aleem Khan, follows Mary, played by Scanlan, who converted to Islam when she married, and now lives quietly in the seaside town with her husband Ahmed.

Following her husband's death, she discovers he had a secret life across the Channel in Calais, including a second family.

Speaking after her win, Scanlan, known for The Thick of It and Getting On, said she was in disbelief, adding it was the "highest accolade" to be honoured by BAFTA.

The film also received nominations for best director, outstanding British film, and outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer.

Viewers will recognise scenes shot on the iconic White Cliffs looking out towards Calais, as Mary contemplates her husband's secret other life.

The Port of Dover was also used as the widow travels to Calais to try and unravel the strange mystery.

But the most prominent location used in Kent was the main character's house, filmed in The Leas, Kingsdown.

Aleem Khan, who was born in Medway, said the county was the 'natural' place to set the story.

He previously told KentOnline: "My grandparents lived in Folkestone for years, so I knew the landscape well and there is something about the proximity of these two places (England and France) like two worlds which are very close but very separate but bound by this stretch of water.

"It felt like a very natural place to set the story."

Other winners at the awards included The Power Of The Dog, for best film, Will Smith for best actor, and Belfast, Sir Kenneth Branagh’s autobiographical film about his childhood during the Troubles, won outstanding British film.

Oscar frontrunners Troy Kotsur and Ariana DeBose scooped prizes in the supporting categories at the ceremony.

The star-studded ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall was hosted by Pitch Perfect actress Rebel Wilson, who made jokes about the Duke of York, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the gender pay gap, her flop film Cats and her recent weight loss.

She also gave the middle finger to Russian leader Vladimir Putin.