Freight

Way Ahead of Its Time: The Story Behind a Groundbreaking Film

This film was years ahead of its time, tackling the harrowing realities of human trafficking — particularly the trafficking of vulnerable people to the UK under false promises, only to be separated from their families and forced into illegal labour or exploitation. The inspiration came from Stuart St. Paul's friend, Michael Palin, whose UNICEF-backed documentary on Moldova exposed the brutal truths of the sex trafficking pipeline into the UK and Europe.

The project was catalyzed by the Yorkshire Television crew from Emmerdale. During Stuart’s numerous visits to advise on the show's signature action sequences — such as the infamous train crash, plane explosion, lorry turnover, and staged drownings — many crew members expressed a desire to make a feature film. Stuart, then under contract to ITV to design action for various series, saw the potential and offered the Leeds-based team the opportunity.

Funded by YABA (Yorkshire Business Angels) and Stuart’s entrepreneurial son Luke Aikman, the film was originally titled The Bogfather — a nod to a true story involving the theft of film-set toilets that ended up serving an illegal encampment. Though Stuart has long regretted the eventual title change enforced by sales agents and distributors ICON, the film remains a powerful and emotional experience.

It stars Stuart’s daughter, actress Laura Aikman, and his longtime friend Craig Fairbrass. The plot centres on a father's relentless battle—played by Billy Murray — to rescue his daughter, which spirals into a brutal war with a Russian gang. The storyline closely mirrors what would later become the structure of films like Taken, though Stuart’s film preceded it. Other characters like Andy Tiernan who is in Stuart's earlier movie The Scarlet Tunic, find a place in this film.

The film earned critical acclaim and numerous awards, including Best Director (USA) and a Silver Palm for Excellence (Mexico). Danny Midwinter’s chilling portrayal of the mafia boss won him Best Actor, cementing the film’s legacy. More than a decade later, filmmakers continue to echo the themes and structure pioneered by this remarkable and prescient work.