A FILM student from Pontypool is searching for funding to produce a short film.

Ellys Donovan, 22, is studying for a masters degree at Newport Film School and is writing and directing a comedy drama with the aid of a group of graduates.

Miss Donovan, from New Inn, is putting the final touches to the script for the film, Life’s a Drag.

She has already cast the main characters for the piece that is set in a drag club in South Wales, and is currently looking at filming locations.

She said: “I started on the piece in January and it’s the biggest project I have undertaken.

“Filming will take place in September and the finished piece must be done by January.”

Miss Donovan, who undertook a graduate course in video production, said that she has learned a lot while working on the project, and tasks that she assumed would be easy, like selecting a location, have proved to be much harder.

The plot of the piece is that drag club Sparkle has been open for 20 years, but has hit tough times as the club sees fewer and fewer customers.

Its owner Glyn is faced with the fact that he may have to shut down.

But barman Joe, who has been watching the acts religiously, pitches an idea to Glyn and main drag artist Shirley Diamonds to bring the club back to its former glory.

Miss Donovan needs to raise at least £850 to cover the costs of set design, costumes and locations.

After finishing the 18-month course, she plans to submit the film into film festivals.

To find out more, visit www.indiegogo.com or follow @lifesadragfilm on Twitter.