Production has officially wrapped on Chokehold, a new short film written and directed by Christopher Bevan, produced by Catriona Kelly of camakel productions in association with YSP Media, and generously supported by BFI NETWORK. The film, a long-held passion project, was selected for funding last year and completed filming in April 2025 with a standout ensemble cast and an accomplished crew who we are indebted to for their talent and commitment.
Since day one this film production set out to bring emotionally charged storytelling to the intensely striking and physical world of professional wrestling, all whilst being proudly made in the Midlands. This has been made possible thanks to the generous backing of the BFI NETWORK Short Film Fund, our regional BFI Talent Executives in the Midlands, the Television Workshop and the support of Pursuit Pro Wrestling in Sheffield, who have provided invaluable resources and guidance to bring the wrestling sequences to life with authenticity. Producer Catriona Kelly’s passion, tenacity and generosity were instrumental in bringing this dream project together.
“Being on set for Chokehold was a truly magical experience,” said writer and director Chris Bevan. “I was fortunate to collaborate with the most talented and dedicated cast and crew I’ve ever worked with. Their commitment to the story and the craft elevated this project beyond what I could have imagined.”
The film stars Eddie Coates, Philip Bedwell, Lis Hipkiss, Mike ‘Wild Boar’ Hitchman, Ross Marshall, Joanne Barker and Carl Bryan, and was shot by longtime collaborator and cinematographer Karl Poyzer.
Chokehold tells the story of a young teenage boy Lucas who, in a desperate attempt to escape his troubled home life, runs away to seek out his estranged father, a once-famed professional wrestler now working in a small coastal town.
The film is currently entering the post-production stage and is slated for completion later in 2025. Further updates, including festival announcements, screening and premiere, will be shared soon. To view the full slate of funded BFI NETWORK shorts, visit the official BFI funding page here.
