A Co Down writer has brought the true story of David Tait, NSPCC supporter, ambassador and former trustee, to the big screen.
The brutally honest and gritty, yet inspiring film – Sulphur and White – tells a story of child sexual abuse, and the impact it has on David’s life.
The movie will open in UK cinemas from March 6 and it will also be screened at the QFT in Belfast from March 6 until March 12.
Written by Susie Farrell, from Hillsborough, and directed by BAFTA and Emmy Award nominee Julian Jarrold, the film stars Game of Thrones actor Mark Stanley as David Tait plus Emily Beecham, Dougray Scott and Anna Friel.
Among the 300 guests attending the London premiere, which was held at Curzon cinema in Mayfair on Thursday, February 27, was the NSPCC’s Royal Patron Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex.
David Tait MBE said when he was 10 he was abused by a group of men.
“It took a lot of time for me to come to terms with it and make it public, now my goal is to destigmatise sexual abuse. I’m convinced by removing the stigma people will cope with the problem better than in the past.
“Sulphur and White does three things, teach the world what sexual abuse actually is, show the collateral damage that someone is capable of doing and that there is redemption and a future. Now we have NSPCC and Childline – we have an alternative.
“Hopefully it can encourage people with a hidden past to talk about their own problems and wear them on their sleeve. The film will give an awful lot of people comfort going forward,” he said.
David Tait has been a long-term advocate and supporter of the NSPCC, raising over £1.5 million for the charity by climbing Mount Everest five times. He was awarded an MBE in 2010 by The Queen for his services to children.
He continues to be a significant figure at the charity, speaking personally about his experiences to raise awareness and champion the work of the NSPCC at events across the UK.
Some of the proceeds from the film will be donated to the NSPCC to help their fight for every childhood.
Peter Wanless, Chief Executive of NSPCC said it is so important that people feel that if they speak out they will be listened to and believed, however much time has passed since the abuse happened.
“We hope that David’s story will give people the courage to do so, and that they will receive the support they need.
“We are also extremely grateful for David’s incredible support and fundraising feats for the charity, which relies on donors for 90% of its funds,” he said.
Mark Stanley, who plays David on screen, said he hopes that people watching Sulphur and White will gain some of the insight and understanding that he got from playing this part about the profound impact of child sexual abuse.
Sulphur and White was produced by Modern Films in partnership with AMG International Films, EMU Films and Altitude Film Distribution.
The movie will open in UK cinemas from March 6, 2020. The film will also be screened at the QFT in Belfast from March 6 until March 12. On Wednesday, March 11 at 6pm there will be a special screening of the film followed by a Q&A with David Tait and Susie Farrell. For tickets go to: https://queensfilmtheatre.com/Whats-On/Sulphur-White/.