A Bradford actor who is now based in Los Angeles is starring in a film which will be shown at this year’s Bradford International Film Festival.

Darren Jacobs plays the title role in The Mortician, a gothic horror film.

The 34-year-old, from Undercliffe, has also written and directed a short film called Blind Date, described as a comedy ‘mockumentary’ based on a TV dating show, which will also feature at the annual event.

The short, which was edited by Daniel Johnstone, a student at the University of Bradford’s Media School, will also be screened at film festivals in New York, Los Angeles and Florida, and at international festivals.

“It has been accepted by seven festivals so far, one of them being Bradford Film Festival,” said Darren. “I’m so thrilled as it’s my hometown.

“I’m really excited about The Mortician, too, which has also been accepted at international film festivals. It’s a dark period drama.”

Darren, who went to Hanson School, also stars in Elevator Gods, a new film about a Duran Duran tribute band, set and partly shot in Bradford and due for release this year. He plays the Simon Le Bon-style singer.

“It was great to be back in Bradford,” he said. “In one scene, one of the band members chains himself to the City Hall gates in a protest. Some onlookers thought he was actually protesting.”

Darren, who started performing at Stage 84 in Idle, has been in West End shows such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and toured the world in dance shows.

After appearing in Hollyoaks, he won a scholarship to study acting in New York then moved to Los Angeles.

“I’d really like to get a part on a good American TV series. The quality has rocketed, with amazing programmes like Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire,” he said.