Almost Married -The Winners Story

ALMOST MARRIED, was the down and out feature film winner at the Marbella Film festival. This British production, written and directed by Ben Cookson, tells the story of a groom to be, who contracts an STD (sexually transmitted disease) whilst on his stag night. Devastated that his wife to be might find out and worse for him, become infected with the disease, he does his utmost to avoid any sexual contact with her in the lead up to their pending wedding ceremony.

His only ally is his best friend, Jarvis, who he confided in when he found out at the clinic, so confessing what has happened, the two together plot, scheme and plan events which occupy them all day and night to avoid any pre marriage contact.

The film, premiered for the first time at the awards, is a romantic comedy, took four years to make, and although they tried to raise enough investment to shoot for at least thirty days, they only raised enough to do an 18 day shoot. Ben Cookson, who virtually single handily put the film together spent four hard years dedicated to the film. He lost his house, bunked with friends and eventually penniless, at the age of 31, he had to move back in with his parents.

His dedication and determination are an inspiration to young people who might have lost their way in life. Ben, who comes from a working class background, was taking drugs by the age of 14, misbehaving at school and as he says himself, “was a bad lad”. But it all changed when two teachers, who saw the potential in him, began to steer him in the right direction.

He passed his A-levels but he only had two, and at first Bournemouth University rejected him, but he saw the opportunity to enrol for a lesser screenwriting course and eventually got accepted. Instead of fresher’s parties and boozy weekends, Ben became the university geek. It was the first time he had paid for any education. The first rejection had made him more determined and he was going to make the most of it. Studying day in and day out with a 100% attendance rate, he passed his degree with honours.

This incredible person has the capability to go to the top and with his incredible good looks, it probably won’t be long before we not only see his films on the big screens, but also a glimpse of his acting talents too. Good luck!