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Our next cast interview is with Iris Prize Best Actress nominated Laura Martin-Simpson who plays Francesca in The Adored. We talk to Laura about how she got the part, how she can relate to Mia and her experiences of shooting in North Wales.

Tickets for the screening on Saturday the 8th of October at 8.00pm can be bought here.

What previous experience do you have in Film/TV/Theatre?

I've worked extensively in all three. With film one role I played was the lead female character of Shelley in Daylight Robbery directed and written by Paris Leonti, Shelley was a fascinating character who had been left at home alone with her new born baby whilst suffering from post natal depression, that was very challenging, all my scenes were on my own with a tiny baby who was a real scene stealer! In TV I've worked on various programs from new comedy to Ashes To Ashes (BBC). In theatre I've worked a lot with Shakespeare, which I love and also many modern plays. I've just finished a play in London where I played Maria Callas, which was fascinating and rather humbling.

How did you end up in The Adored?

Christopher Kelham, who played Dale in The Cost of Love, Carl Medland's previous film, is a dear friend of mine and he recommended me to Carl. I owe Chris many pints.

Is there a part of your character that you can relate to? What do you think audience members will relate to?

With Francesca it is her ultimate and instinctive desire to be accepted for who she is. Which is something that me as an actor and me privately and everyone in the audience can relate to. Also their is a massive internal dialogue constantly running inside Francesca's mind, her actions do not always necessarily run smoothly with her thoughts and that can lead to a lot of pain and conflict. I have a very active internal dialogue too!

What was interesting for you about the relationship between Francesca and Mia?

The need that these two characters have for each other and the complex bond that that need creates.

Did your sexuality affect your performance in any way?

I believe that everyone has their own personal and unique sexuality, different to anyone else on this planet and that sexuality is so incredibly important to everybody both individually and sharing your sexuality with another. It was fascinating to discover which parts of my sexuality I shared with Francesca and which parts where different, which is a process you go through as an actor with every character you play.

How was working in North Wales?

Amazing. The countryside was so inspiring, the people we met and worked with were so inspiring and the place we stayed was so inspiring! I felt privileged to be working in such a beautiful place. And the weather behaved itself as well!

Will this be your first time in Cardiff? What are you looking forward to?

Yes this will be my first time in Cardiff. I know Wales very well as the majority of our family holidays when I was a kid were camping in Wales. But Cardiff will be a new experience. I looking forward to everything about it and being part of such a brilliant festival.