A YATE filmmaker inspired by the tragic death of one of his ancestors is bringing a powerful message to audiences worldwide.

Adam Morgan has produced a poignant new short film based on the death of a five-year-old girl in 1870 and which captures the unimaginable pain her mother experiences.

Little Martha perished in a fire at her home in Horseshoe Lane, Chipping Sodbury due to unintentional negligence and the film, shot in black and white, reveals how the family was destroyed by her death.

Adam, who last year screened a feature-length film on another relative Cynthia Dash, who was incarcerated for six years because of mental health issues, said: “Martha is a story of incredible and overwhelming loss that has been uncovered from the history of my own family.

“Poor Martha lived in Horseshoe lane in 1870 and died in the most awful circumstances. The inquest was held in the Grapes pub in the High Street.

“The film shows how a mother struggles to come to terms with the sudden and tragic death of her five-year-old daughter as the result of an accident which scars an entire community.”

He said the five-minute film, shot in and around Chipping Sodbury and using the inquest report as narration, would leave a powerful mark on viewers.

“Martha tells the story of a family destroyed by a tragic accident that could have been prevented, yet even today, death due to unintentional negligence still happens.

“At the heart of Martha lies the message that every life matters and we must do everything we can to safeguard and protect those who are most vulnerable in our society.

“The film will resonate with every parent, young or old, and striking in its use of light and bold in its visuals, Martha will leave you with a sense of loss and a life that was taken far too soon.

“The truth is sometimes more tragic than anything that can be dreamt of or imagined.”

The film can be viewed online at https://youtu.be/FN6iCcGEufM