A twelve-year-old evacuee uncovers myth and memory on Dartmoor in this powerful short film voiced by Noel Fielding. Toby is a twelve-year-old boy who is evacuated to Dartmoor in the midst of the Second World War. With new fears looming over him, Toby discovers his grandmother Julie’s dark past and a mysterious figure who wanders the moorland.
Festival Selections
- Royal Television Society Winner 2026
- Official Selection — New York International Children's Film Festival 2026
- Official Selection — London Independent Film Festival 2025
- Finalist — Big Fridge Film Festival 2025
The film is currently on its festival run, having premiered at the London Independent Film Festival on 18/08/2025, and was an Official Selection at the New York International Children's Film Festival 2026.
Director: Jacob Joseph Held | Writer: Jacob Joseph Held | Producer: India Pluves & Jacob Joseph Held | Key Cast: Dainton Anderson, Sara Wilson-Soppitt, Leon Drago, Noel Fielding | DP: Alfie Dickens | Composer: Veronica Manuel | Editor: Jacob Joseph Held
Press
Epigram — In Conversation with Jacob Joseph Held and Dainton Anderson UK Film Review — Puddle Man Film Devon — Puddle Man Director on Bringing Dartmoor Film to Screen