30/01/2025 - This high-stakes film, starring Morfydd Clark and Ariyon Bakare, is set to begin production in Birmingham, with Independent Entertainment launching international sales at the EFM

Morfydd Clark and Ariyon Bakare lead the ensemble cast of Arctic Skies, a gripping new sci-fi thriller inspired by real-life UFO encounters. The film is the latest feature by Birmingham-based filmmakers Elliot and Zander Weaver, who will present the movie to international buyers at the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin, through Independent Entertainment.

In Arctic Skies, a cargo-plane crew embarks on a routine flight over the Arctic Circle, only to find themselves at the centre of an unexplained and terrifying otherworldly encounter at 40,000 feet. As an unseen force begins to interfere, the crew struggles for control, pushed to their limits. Inspired by the most-documented UFO encounter on record, the film blends elements of suspense, psychological tension and high-stakes survival drama.

Up-and-coming British actress Morfydd Clark, known for her BAFTA-nominated performance in Saint Maud [+see also:
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Elliot and Zander Weaver previously directed Cosmos, an independent sci-fi feature exploring themes of discovery and extraterrestrial phenomena. With Arctic Skies, they expand on their passion for unpredictable storytelling, incorporating a more suspense-driven approach while maintaining their signature interest in the unknown. Arctic Skies has been a long-gestating project that holds personal significance for them. The UFO encounter that inspired the film has fascinated them for years, and they are excited to bring the story to life, exploring its profound mysteries.

Filming will take place at Digbeth Loc Studios in Birmingham, a rapidly growing production hub founded by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. The studio has recently hosted major productions, including Netflix's upcoming Peaky Blinders movie, positioning it as a key location for UK-based filmmaking. The choice of Digbeth Loc Studios further underlines the UK’s expanding role in international genre productions and its ability to support ambitious storytelling on a cinematic scale.

The production of Arctic Skies is spearheaded by Elliander Pictures, with Elliot and Zander Weaver leading the project. They are joined by Lowkey Films’ Jamie Gamache and Connor O’Hara, alongside Colin M McKeown. Independent Entertainment handles international sales and serves as the executive producer.