Dystopian and dark, the story of this saga cemented to Lee in a dream. He talked to John Altman ( remember Eastenders fame Nick) and the film took a mere four days to film on an iPhone and a drone using the film app Black Magic.

Lee is in a band called The Pocket Gods and atmospheric angry music accompanies the story of this “esoteric road trip which is a bit fucked up” adding gravitas from the band. Guerrilla-style filming and work was intrinsic.

The book Holy Blood And Holy Grail which apparently inspired some of the writings in The Da Vinci Code, features as a major prop in the story. Along with some other interesting aspects to the recanting of the saga we see the main character clutching a bottle of wine, playing with Tarot cards, and he has a walking stick which seems to bring something to the story.

There are lots of locations in London including two major churches and Blackfriars Bridge, with long shots of John walking around on his mission which I think is intended to be interpreted as a cunning computer game run by an agent from his flat on his Holy Grail caper through interpretation of this is left open. Make up your own mind up when you see the film.

Lee has done several courses with Raindance, including courses on documentary films and how to make a film. He has worked on another film in the festival., His love of UFO’s the paranormal, and esoteric material comes out creatively included in the cast are Lee’s son and two daughters. Essentially the film, can be interpreted as a black comedy, as it carries a note of humour and slight mockery.

John Altman has been nominated for Best Performance in a UK Feature and said yes to the film project originally due to his love of dark themes.

Raindance 2025 Festival: The Last Grail Hunter directed by Mark Christopher Lee with John Altman, dionuyves , Sabrina Lee and Johnny Raven 70 mins, at Vue Cinema, Lower Regent Street, London Sw1Y 4LR.

Penny Nair-Price