Braintree film selected for premiere at festival

Finding My Voice, a music drama created by Braintree‑based writer and producer Donna Taylor, was filmed across Braintree, Colchester and Mersea, and is being celebrated as a true community project.

The team worked closely with local schools including Honeywood, as well as local businesses and residents who took part both in front of and behind the camera.

Described as a “coming‑of‑age” story, the film follows a young girl striving to build a career as a singer while navigating complex issues such as childhood trauma, neglect and grooming.

Donna Taylor said: “Rooted firmly in Essex but now being recognised on a national stage, the film is something the local community can feel proud of. At its heart, Finding My Voice is about how creativity can actually heal. When everything else is taken away, art becomes a lifeline. Music gives Melanie a way to process grief and trauma when words aren’t enough.”

Taylor, who wrote and produced the film in Braintree, said the project reflects the power of community collaboration and the role of the arts in supporting young people.

The film will be showcased to audiences at the Manchester Film Festival on 28 March 2026, marking an exciting milestone for the cast, crew and the wider Essex community who helped bring the story to life.