In January 2008, the weather forecast predicted snow in our area of the South Wales valleys. We wrote a short film to film in the snow, featuring our most beloved character, Susan Balaka - the transgender Russian super spy.

However, the forecast snow never arrived, and we were left feeling robbed of our creativity. As a way of making ourselves feel better, we decided to write a bigger, better sketch for our character. It was about time for Susan's legs to stretch anyway.

Like the back-catalogue of Susan Balaka shorts, this new sketch was originally only meant to last a few minutes. Our intention was to increase the production qualities to make our new work excel from our previous shorts.

But during the writing process we decided to fuse several ideas together, boosting the project up to something which would last around twenty minutes.

Over the next few months and after several scenes were filmed, our friends started to take an active interest in the project, pitching in with aesthetic and practical help. As our friends involvement grew, so did interest from the community and then the media. As a result of this, the film too grew, until it became a feature length production.

Being no-budget film-makers, we would use anything we could our hands on. Equipment, props and costumes were borrowed and we would gain permission to film in locations for free.

People who had no experience or even thoughts of acting before would step forward and help us. Everyone did everything they could in order to better the film, and we're proud to say that we think the final product is a testament to the hidden talent and beauty of the South Wales valleys.

A special screening of the film took place at the Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale, in July 2008. If you want to find out more join the Susan Balaka Film group on Facebook.