Star Trek actress to star in Horsham feature film

A fact-based investigative thriller to be filmed in and around Horsham will star Marina Sirtis, known for her role as ‘Counselor Deanna Troi’ in Star Trek.

Entitled A Dark Reflection, the film tells the story of a chilling conspiracy at the heart of the aviation industry.

An air traffic controller is suspended following a serious in-flight incident, but things are not as they seem.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

When his journalist wife starts to ask questions, she uncovers some disturbing truths.

Truths that crews are forbidden to discuss.

Truths that passengers have never been told about.

As her investigation progresses, she reveals a disturbing succession of cover-ups dating back to 1954.

But why is no one saying anything?

Southwater-based director Tristan Loraine of Fact Not Fiction Films says A Dark Reflection will be ‘Erin Brockovich’ meets ‘All the President’s Men’ - an ‘intensely compelling drama’.

British-born actress, Ms Georgina Sutcliffe, a 2001 RADA graduate and former wife of actor Sean Bean, will play the lead role of the investigative journalist, who in the film will be a West Sussex County Times reporter.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ms Sutcliffe stated: “If this film serves to uncover serious air safety issues, it will have succeeded in its purpose. I am honoured to be a part of it!”

Los Angeles-based British-born actress, Ms Marina Sirtis, aka ‘Counselor Deanna Troi’ in Star Trek, is also set to star in the film.

Marina Sirtis commented: “We all fly, and I want to play my part in making air travel safer by being part of this film.”

Co-screen writer Viv Young said: “We are delighted and honoured that Marina Sirtis will be briefly coming back to the UK to be part of the film.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Marina has taken a real interest in the issues highlighted within the film for many years.

“She is an outstanding actress of exceptional ability and brings a presence to her films that makes for compelling viewing.”

A Dark Reflection is a Fact Not Fiction Production by Tristan Loraine, an award-winning documentary maker and a former commercial airline captain.

“This film is a true thriller that will not only entertain but will open the public’s eyes to some uncomfortable facts,” said Tristan.

“How safe is the air you breathe in-flight?

“Where does cabin air come from?

“The public has been kept in the dark long enough.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Cabin air in modern commercial jet aircraft (excluding Boeing 787) is taken directly from the compression section of the engine.

This air - known as ‘bleed air’ - is unfiltered and provided to passengers and crews to breathe.

Oil fumes from the compression section of the engine leak into this ‘bleed air’ supply in varying amounts, says Tristan, dependent on engine design, maintenance, engine wear and other known factors.

“There is no filter on the bleed air that could prevent contamination,” said Tristan.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“There is no warning system or gauge to measure toxicity in the cabin.”

“The problem has been recognised by aviation regulators such as the FAA in the USA, EASA in Europe and other agencies, governments, scientists, airlines, passenger representative bodies, occupational doctors, aircraft and jet engine manufacturers, oil/lubricant manufacturers and crew unions for several decades.

“But passengers are never informed when they are exposed,” he added, a fact Tristan hopes this film will reveal to a wider audience.

The film is being made as a co-operative model film and continues to draw great support on both sides of the Atlantic.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Cast, crew, suppliers, supporters, and cash investors are committing their time and resources in exchange for shares or accreditation in the film, meaning that they own the completed film in proportion to their contribution towards it.

The West Sussex County Times is proud to be one of the partner organisations and a number of scenes will be filmed at our new town centre offices at Springfield House, Horsham.

The lead journalist will also work for the West Sussex County Times in the film, and many scenes will be shot in and around Horsham.

Principle photography is scheduled to start in June this year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Fact Not Fiction Films was founded by former Captain Tristan Loraine in 2006. Their first documentary ‘Welcome Aboard Toxic Airlines’ triggered two calls for public enquiry when it was released in 2007.

Their last feature-length documentary ‘Shady Lady’, an aviation documentary drama set in 1943, was a 2013 Academy Award Contender.

A Dark Reflection will expose one of aviation’s biggest cover-ups.

There is already extensive media interest in some of the issues being raised in the film A Dark Reflection - visit http://www.gcaqe.org for more details.