'CHUCK CHUCK BABY' directed by Janis Pugh

3 BAFTA CYMRU Nominations, 2 wins - Best Feature and Breakthrough for Janis Pugh!

CHUCK CHUCK BABY is a musical drama set in and around a chicken factory in industrial North Wales. The film celebrates female love and friendship.

Writer-director Janis Pugh said “CHUCK CHUCK BABY is a story of love but is also a story of barriers and fences and what happens when we shut people out. I want the audience to sing, laugh and brush away their tears – and then hopefully go home and pull down their own fences.“

A film of love and loss set amongst the falling feathers of a chicken factory. Featuring the inspiring music of Neil Diamond, Janis Ian, Minnie Riperton and others. Present day, industrial North Wales. Helen, late 30’s, spends her nights packing chickens and her days caring for dying mother-figure Gwen. 

Helen’s mundane world takes a surprising turn with Joanne’s return; they were the objects of the other’s secret teenage passions. Encouraged by Helen, Joanne starts a playful wooing game.  As they fall in love, Helen’s zest for life returns but Joanne feels the walls close in as she faces something darker from her past. Helen’s world shatters when Gwen dies and Joanne’s painful memories make her flee.

Both women reflect on their unfulfilled chance before finding the courage to let go of the past and allow their love to win.

FESTIVALS

Edinburgh International Film Festival 2023

Toronto International Film Festival 2023 Centerpiece

Zurich Film Festival 2023 Sounds

Hamptons International Film Festival 2023 World Cinema Narrative

Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival 2023

Newfest - New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival 2023 Narrative

Tallinn Black Nights 2023 Best of Festivals

Univerciné Nantes 2023 WINNER Audience Award

Palm Springs International Film Festival 2024

British & Irish Film Festival Luxembourg 2024

Roze Filmdagen Amsterdam LGBTQ+ Film Festival 2024

Sunny Bunny Queer Film Festival Kyiv 2024

Pink Apple Queer Film Festival 2024