Joe Locke
An official US release date has not yet been announced, but Black Church Bay—starring Joe Locke (Heartstopper) alongside Tom Cullen (Weekend, Downton Abbey – is scheduled to make its public debut on October 15, 2026, premiering at the BFI London Film Festival.
While Vertigo Releasing has secured distribution rights for the UK and Ireland, international sales agent The Bureau Sales is actively handling global rights, with a US theatrical or streaming release expected in 2027 following its international festival run.
The British LGBTQ+ mystery drama marks the feature directorial debut of Welsh writer-director Rhys Marc Jones. Set in a remote coastal village on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales, the story centers on the sudden disappearance of Jasper (Locke), an openly gay student. His vanishing sends shockwaves through the close-knit community and threatens to unravel the carefully constructed life of a closeted deputy head teacher, Barry (Cullen), who previously shared a secret, intimate encounter with the teenager.
The film also features supporting performances from Marli Siu and Rakie Ayola.
Backed by BBC Film, Ffilm Cymru Wales, and Screen Scotland, Black Church Bay earned early industry buzz when it was selected for the prestigious GREAT 8 showcase at the Cannes Film Festival.
