Shepton Mallet has become the backdrop for the newly released mockumentary, "Swede Caroline," which premieres across UK cinemas from Friday, 19 April.

Produced by Glastonbury twins, Jack and Boris Thompson-Roylance, the film throws a spotlight on the peculiar yet enthralling world of competitive giant vegetable growing.

Featuring a distinguished cast including Jo Hartley (After Life), Richard Lumsden (Sense and Sensibility), and Aisling Bea (This Way Up), the film blends humour and drama to depict the story. It follows Caroline, portrayed by Jo Hartley, as her journey takes her from the vegetable plots of Shepton Mallet to the centre of a national scandal involving stolen marrows and mysterious kidnappings.

"Swede Caroline" is hailed as a celebration of British cinema, utilising a self-distribution strategy to reach audiences. Finn Bruce, the director and producer, praises the film as a testament to independent filmmaking in the UK, supported by partners such as Sky Cinema and Picnik Entertainment.

Jo Hartley, the star, reflects on the film's appeal, emphasising its deep connection to real, relatable characters, particularly the strong, messy, and brave Caroline, who embodies the spirit of an underdog hero.

This local production not only showcases the talents of Somerset's own but also promises to offer viewers a mix of laughter, suspense, and heartfelt storytelling.

A spokesperson said: "In the British mockumentary, the competitive giant vegetable-growing world is rocked by scandal when up-and-coming prospect Caroline (Jo Hartley) has her prized marrow plants stolen.

"With her life turned upside down and desperate for answers, she turns to two private detectives (Aisling Bea and Ray Fearon), who are then dramatically kidnapped.

"Are the events linked? No, of course not.

"But Caroline thinks they are and the hunt for her missing marrows takes her way beyond the allotments, plunging her into a national corruption scandal that goes all the way to the top."