On Sunday 24th May, Nick attended the premiere screening of Diamond Dogs at the acclaimed Romford Film Festival, following a personal invitation from filmmakers Andy Blithe and Kris Smith.
The screening brought together film lovers, independent creators and members of the industry for an evening celebrating grassroots filmmaking and original storytelling on the big screen. Following the feature presentation, Nick, Andy and Kris were invited onto the stage for a live discussion with festival organisers, fellow filmmakers and audience members.
During the Q&A session, Nick spoke about his role as Paul Canterbury, one of the masterminds behind the jewel robbery at the centre of Diamond Dogs. He discussed the character’s motivations, the dynamic between the cast, and the excitement of bringing the ambitious crime story to life on screen. Andy and Kris also shared insights into the development of the film, the creative process behind the storyline, and the challenges and rewards of independent filmmaking.
During the Q&A, a fellow filmmaker asked Nick which two films he would take to a desert island. Nick answered, “Jaws and Braveheart.” The filmmaker then joked, “Is it really a good idea to take Jaws to an island?” The audience burst into laughter before Nick replied, “Well, if you’ve seen Jaws, you’d never try swimming off the island,” which got another big laugh from the crowd.
The evening also showcased two short films prior to the main feature, highlighting the diversity and creativity championed by the festival. The standard of filmmaking and production throughout the night was widely praised, reinforcing the growing reputation of the Romford Film Festival as a platform for emerging and independent talent.
For Nick, the event marked another memorable milestone in his expanding acting career, while also celebrating the dedication and ambition of the independent film community. The enthusiastic audience response and strong sense of camaraderie between filmmakers made the evening a standout occasion for everyone involved.
‘’What a terrific night! The guys at Romford made us feel so welcome and everybody really enjoyed the film. It was a very special night for me.’’
Nick Elliott Rock Art Photographer…
Words By Crystal Sky .

