Norfolk

She’s snapped stills for&nbsp;Silo,&nbsp;The Responder,&nbsp;The Essex Serpent&nbsp;and&nbsp;Daliland, rubbed shoulders with Tilda Swinton, Martin Freeman and Rebecca Ferguson, and now she’s bringing all that Hollywood glam&nbsp;home&nbsp;to Norfolk.



Meet <a href="https://www.rekhagarton.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rekha Garton</a> – photographer, filmmaker, writer, and all-round creative powerhouse – who’s made it her mission to spotlight Norfolk’s untapped film potential. Her debut short The Herring Girls, a mystical merfolk-meets-social-history tale set on the Norfolk coast, was a lockdown triumph. And now she’s back behind the camera with her next project, Ash Fields – a haunting queer love story set during WWII. Spoiler: it sounds epic.



We chatted to Rekha about life on set, nosebleeds in front of Tom Hiddleston (yep), Crowdfunding efforts for this next picture (which you can be a part of <a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ash-fields-ww2-land-girls-love-story#/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>) and her love of Norfolk, which she has called home since she was 12. Over to you Rekha.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2250" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Rekha-garton.jpg" alt="Rekha Garten" class="wp-image-67759" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Rekha-garton.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Rekha-garton-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Rekha-garton-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Rekha-garton-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Rekha-garton-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Rekha-garton-1365x2048.jpg 1365w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Rekha! For those who don’t know, what do you actually do?



I’m a unit stills photographer – I take photos on film sets that match what you see on screen. Think the big billboard images, behind-the-scenes shots, promo material – that’s me. I’ve done book covers too (still do), and got into photography when I was 16. I tried the corporate world – hated it – and never looked back.



Sounds like a dream job&#8230; is it as glamorous as it looks?



Honestly, yes – I love it. Seeing your photo on a billboard or bus is wild. The big still for&nbsp;Silo? That’s mine. But what I really fell for was the set environment – the people, the grit, the creativity. It just&nbsp;clicked. It’s like falling in love – magical, intense, sometimes messy – but you’re all in it together.



What was your first film?



The Souvenir Part II&nbsp;with Tilda Swinton. We ended up chatting about shampoo. As you do.



And how did you break into the industry?



Perfect timing – I started three months before COVID hit. When everything shut down, I used that time to network like mad over Zoom. People who’d usually be too busy to reply suddenly had time. I met all the right people, and when filming restarted, I was ready.



You also write and direct – tell us about&nbsp;The Herring Girls.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="997" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-09-at-18.39.09.png" alt="Rekha Garten on set filming The Herring Girls in Norfolk" class="wp-image-67788" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-09-at-18.39.09.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-09-at-18.39.09-800x532.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-09-at-18.39.09-1000x665.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-09-at-18.39.09-768x510.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">BTS shooting The Herring Girls</figcaption></figure>



It’s a mythical fantasy film set on the Norfolk coast about a girl abandoned by her family and raised near the sea. She’s watched over by The Herring Girls – real-life women who followed the herring down from Scotland and were among the first paid female workers in the UK. I wanted to shine a light on forgotten stories – and shoot entirely in Norfolk. There are&nbsp;so&nbsp;many brilliant locations here, but the industry just overlooks us.



Why do you think that is?



People still think Norfolk’s a cultural ghost town, which is bonkers. There are challenges with filming here, sure, but it’s an untapped gem. I’m determined to change that, one film at a time.



We heard you met Keira Knightley&#8230;



I did! And she’s a total dream. We chatted about Norfolk – she’s a fan of Bungay’s Black Shuck Festival – and I told her all about the Sheringham Viking Festival. She seemed genuinely intrigued. Imagine bumping into her there?!



Do you get starstruck working with A-listers?



Honestly, no. Maybe a little when I met Keira. I was nervous about meeting Tilda, but she was lovely. Martin Freeman’s a sweetheart. Hugh Jackman is ridiculously tall. The only person I truly fangirled over was author Deborah Harkness – massive book nerd moment.



Any funny on-set stories?



Oh god, yes. First time I met Tom Hiddleston, I was doing underwater shots at Pinewood. They’d left the pool heating on, and in my thick wetsuit I overheated&#8230; and had a dramatic nosebleed as I climbed out of the water. Right as someone introduced me to Tom. He was charming and concerned while I tried not to drown in my own embarrassment.



You’ve just wrapped on&nbsp;Silo&nbsp;Season 3 – what’s Rebecca Ferguson like in real life?



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Silo_Photo_020101-1000x667.jpg" alt="Rebecca Ferguson in Silo" class="wp-image-67761" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Silo_Photo_020101-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Silo_Photo_020101-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Silo_Photo_020101-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Silo_Photo_020101.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Queen Rebecca Ferguson in Silo</figcaption></figure>



Absolutely wonderful. She knows&nbsp;everyone’s&nbsp;name on set, gives hugs to the crew, the lot. We’ve become genuine friends. I forget she’s famous when we&#8217;re together until you clock people slowly realise who she is – then out come the phones and Google. Surreal.



What are you watching right now?



I finally watched&nbsp;Succession&nbsp;– I know, late to the party!&nbsp;Andor&nbsp;is brilliant,&nbsp;The Changeling&nbsp;was fascinating,&nbsp;Dark Matter is top-tier, and&nbsp;Slow Horses&nbsp;is TV gold. Basically, if it’s on Apple TV+, I’m watching it. If I had to pick one streaming platform, that’s the one.



Tell us about your new short,&nbsp;Ash Fields.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/2.jpg" alt="Cast of Ash Fields" class="wp-image-67785" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tash and Kate will be playing Maisie and Betty in Ash Fields</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/1.jpg" alt="Cast of Ash Fields" class="wp-image-67784" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Laura and Nick who will be playing Dorothy and Tommy in Ash Fields</figcaption></figure>



It’s a queer love story between two WWII Land Girls, Maisie and Betty. One is haunted by visions of her fiancé, Tommy, who’s away at war. When he returns with PTSD, she’s torn between the past and her future with Betty. It&#8217;s about love, loss, identity and healing. Oh, and there’s a farmer called John – every Norfolk village has a John.



Where did the idea come from?



I used to shoot loads of Land Girl book covers – weird niche, I know – and noticed how sanitised those stories were. The reality was far tougher. And it struck me that with so many women living in close quarters, queer love stories&nbsp;must&nbsp;have existed – yet they’ve been totally erased from history. I wanted to write the story we never got to read.



And you’re crowdfunding?



Yes! We’re a no-budget film, which means the cast and crew are doing it for love (and snacks). Funding will go to festival entries – the only real way to get a short film seen and hopefully get more eyes on Norfolk as a filming location. You can donate <a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ash-fields-ww2-land-girls-love-story#/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> and even bag yourself a credit or premiere invite.



Where’s it being shot?



A gorgeous farmhouse in North Ellingham – the kitchen is a perfect Fifties time capsule, and the bedroom hasn’t changed in decades. We’ve also got access to a golden wheat field and an old train station next door. It’s dream filming territory and just how I imagined.



Best outdoor spot in Norfolk?



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Thetford-Forest.jpg" alt="Photo by Rekha Garten on Thetford Forest" class="wp-image-67698" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Thetford-Forest.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Thetford-Forest-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Thetford-Forest-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Thetford-Forest-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/thetford-forest" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thetford Forest</a>, hands down. There’s a bit near Mildenhall called <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/mildenhall-warren/walking-mildenhall-warren" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warren Lodge </a>– it&#8217;s like something out of a fairy tale. So peaceful. I always feel recharged after going there.



Go-to café or brunch spot?



I’ve got coeliac disease and a stack of allergies, so I don’t eat out much. But my partner swears by <a href="https://dicksbar.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dick&#8217;s Cafe and Bar</a> in Norwich. Personally, I’m all about massages and facials – that’s how I treat myself.



Where do you go?



<a href="https://www.instagram.com/harmonia_massagetherapy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harmonia Massage</a>&nbsp;in Drayton – honestly, she’s some sort of magical being. I fall asleep every time. And&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irissalon.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">I</a><a href="https://www.irissalon.co.uk">ris Beauty</a>&nbsp;on Waterloo Road for proper, natural facials.



Do you cook a lot then?



All the time. I love farm shops –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/paddock_farmshop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paddock Farm Shop</a>&nbsp;in Mulbarton is my go-to. The produce is amazing, and the owner once went out of her way to find me samphire. Also: best eggs ever.



Favourite cultural spot?



<a href="https://www.gressenhall.norfolk.gov.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse</a>&nbsp;– it’s got a great Land Girls exhibit on at the moment. I also love the&nbsp;<a href="https://sainsburycentre.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sainsbury Centre</a>, and the free art shows at <a href="https://norwichuni.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwich University of Art</a>. You always find new talent there. Also, local fairs – best way to meet fab people doing interesting things.



One bucket list thing every Norfolk local should do?



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/IMG_9900.jpg" alt="The moon rising over Waxham Beach photo taken by Rekha Garten" class="wp-image-67699" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/IMG_9900.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/IMG_9900-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/IMG_9900-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/IMG_9900-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/IMG_9900-1152x1536.jpg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Go to <a href="https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/south-east-england/norfolk/hunstanton-beach.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Old Hunstanton</a> – you can see the sun&nbsp;rise&nbsp;and&nbsp;set&nbsp;from the beach and it’s never too crowded. <a href="https://www.ericsfishandchips.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric’s</a> does brilliant gluten-free fish and chips. And <a href="https://www.explorenorfolkuk.co.uk/waxham.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waxham Beach</a> for the moonrise – every August we light a fire, watch the meteor shower and just&nbsp;be. It’s pure magic.



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2250" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/ASH_FIELDS_POSTER.jpg" alt="Ash Fields movie poster, a filmy by Rekha Garten" class="wp-image-67696" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/ASH_FIELDS_POSTER.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/ASH_FIELDS_POSTER-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/ASH_FIELDS_POSTER-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/ASH_FIELDS_POSTER-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/ASH_FIELDS_POSTER-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/ASH_FIELDS_POSTER-1365x2048.jpg 1365w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>







Rekha begins filming&nbsp;Ash Fields&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tues 24 June. Want to support this gorgeous piece of Norfolk filmmaking (and maybe nab yourself a film credit or premiere invite)?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ash-fields-ww2-land-girls-love-story#/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to donate</a>.

Hollywood sparkle hits Norfolk: Muddy meets Rekha Garton

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