Phoenix Worldwide Entertainment signs worldwide rights to disabled Paul Hodgson's biopic GIVE THEM WINGS

The film stars newcomer Daniel Watson as Paul Hodgson, music legend Toyah Willcox (Quadrophenia, The Tempest), Bill Fellows (Broadchurch, Downton Abbey) Jacob Anderton (13 Graves, Lockdown), Rachel Warren (Rise of the Footsoldier, Eve), Katie Sheridan (K-12, the Convent), Debra Stephenson (Bad Girls), Tracey Wilkinson (Carnival Row, Outlander), Jonathan Hansler  (The Lockdown Hauntings, Highwater) and Bruce Payne (Passenger 57, Election Night). 

'Give Them Wings', a feature film written by disabled screenwriter and producer Paul Hodgson, takes another step towards its worldwide release this week as production company, GTW Productions, signs a worldwide sales deal with Phoenix Worldwide entertainment.

The film, although caught temporarily in the headlights of Covid, finally completes post production and is ready for its international release. 

'Give Them Wings', directed by Sean Cronin (Cronin has appeared in 'James Bond', 'Fantastic Beasts', 'Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation' and many more and has directed true human interest stories like WW1 movie 'Eleven' and 'An Unfortunate Woman') celebrates the life of severely disabled Darlington FC fan Paul Hodgson and is an adaptation of his award winning novel  'Flipper's Side'.

Paul was diagnosed with childhood meningitis aged just ten months old and his parents were told he would never move or speak.  Paul is now 55 years old and has survived to become an award winning novelist, film producer and screenwriter.  'Give Them Wings' is Paul's incredible journey to acceptance. 

The film, set in a much less tolerant 1989, tells the story of Paul's heartbreaking journey to acceptance and follows in the footsteps of 'My Left Foot', 'Billy Elliot' and the beautiful French film 'Untouchable’.

Sean Cronin said; “Give Them Wings is a hugely important film that tackles discrimination of the disabled and turns it on its head; this is a film that teaches mankind that we must accept people for 'who they are' and not what they 'appear to be'.  I was hugely honoured to have been chosen to bring Paul's incredible story to the big screen."

Paul Hodgson himself adds; “The film is a culmination of nearly twenty years work.  We are absolutely delighted with the outcome and appreciate the support of all those that helped us on our journey.  Many of our backers have not just supported our efforts but have also invested in the film and we are conscious that they have been instrumental in making the right deal possible."

Ian Carter, producer on the film and lifelong friend of Paul added; “The determination shown by Paul to get this film over the line is encapsulated in the film; it is an emotional rollercoaster with timely injections of humour."

Ian continued; “Finding the right Sales Agent was crucial, we attracted interest from some top class companies that we would have been happy to work with, but we needed to be certain that we were selecting a company that would best suit the size of our film and target the right areas.  We are very pleased to have secured an agreement with Phoenix Worldwide Entertainment and look forward to working with them."

Michael Cowan of Phoenix said; "This is a film that is uplifting and shows the power of the human spirit against all odds.  Newcomer Daniel Watson who plays Paul Hodgson gives an incredible performance and Toyah Willcox, who plays his mother, is just sublime.  I am very pleased to be working with Paul, Sean and Ian on 'Give Them Wings'."

‘Give Them Wings’ has already won ‘Best independent Feature’ at the London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) and ‘Best British Feature’ at the London Independent Film Awards (LIFA).