It’s our favourite night of the year! The 2021 BIFA awards took place this evening at Old Billingsgate in London. Hosted by People Just Do Nothing’s Asim Chaudhry, those attending include Emma Corrin, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Joe Cole, Lucy Boynton, Jude Law, Harris Dickinson, Paapa Essiedu, Caitriona Balfe, Morfydd Clark, Riz Ahmed, Wumni Mosaku, Ruth Wilson, Stephen Graham and James Norton.
The 24th British Independent Film Awards saw Joanna Scanlan’s After Love take home a handful of awards, Clio Barnard’s Ali & Ava also did well – and there’s something wonderful in championing the very best in British Independent film – so, hey – we’re all winners here.*
David Sztypuljak and Scott Davis were our men at the event, asking questions.
You can see our interviews below, as well as a full list of tonight’s winners and nominees.
*Actual winners are below.
The 2021 BIFA Red Carpet Interviews
The...
The 24th British Independent Film Awards saw Joanna Scanlan’s After Love take home a handful of awards, Clio Barnard’s Ali & Ava also did well – and there’s something wonderful in championing the very best in British Independent film – so, hey – we’re all winners here.*
David Sztypuljak and Scott Davis were our men at the event, asking questions.
You can see our interviews below, as well as a full list of tonight’s winners and nominees.
*Actual winners are below.
The 2021 BIFA Red Carpet Interviews
The...
- 12/6/2021
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Aleem Khan’s After Love dominated the 2021 British Independent Film Awards, winning six prizes in total including Best British Independent Film.
Khan also took home both Best Director and the Douglas Hickox Award for Best Debut Director, as well as Best Screenplay. Joanna Scanlan won Best Actress and Talid Ariss won Best Supporting Actor for their roles in the movie.
Set in the port town of Dover, the film follows Mary Hussain who suddenly finds herself a widow following the unexpected death of her husband. A day after the burial, she discovers he has a secret just twenty-one miles across the English Channel in Calais.
Khan said at the ceremony: “What the f***?! … Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would be happening tonight. My mum and my dad and family are going to be going nuts. This film, at its core, is about strangers seeing one another.
Khan also took home both Best Director and the Douglas Hickox Award for Best Debut Director, as well as Best Screenplay. Joanna Scanlan won Best Actress and Talid Ariss won Best Supporting Actor for their roles in the movie.
Set in the port town of Dover, the film follows Mary Hussain who suddenly finds herself a widow following the unexpected death of her husband. A day after the burial, she discovers he has a secret just twenty-one miles across the English Channel in Calais.
Khan said at the ceremony: “What the f***?! … Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would be happening tonight. My mum and my dad and family are going to be going nuts. This film, at its core, is about strangers seeing one another.
- 12/5/2021
- by Tom Grater and Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
Aleem Khan’s directorial debut “After Love” dominated the British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) with six wins.
The film, in which a recently widowed woman comes to terms with a shocking secret about her husband’s life won the award for Best British Independent Film, presented by Kate Beckinsale. Khan won three more BIFAs – Best Director, The Douglas Hickox Award for Best Debut Director and Best Screenplay, with Joanna Scanlan winning Best Actress and Talid Ariss Best Supporting Actor for their performances in the film.
Adeel Akhtar won Best Actor for his role in Clio Barnard’s story of forbidden love, “Ali & Ava,” which also saw Connie Farr and Harry Escott scoring the Best Music award.
The Best Supporting Actress award went to Vinette Robinson for her work in Philip Barantini’s single-take restaurant kitchen drama “Boiling Point,” which also received awards for Carolyn McCleod for Best Casting, Matthew Lewis...
The film, in which a recently widowed woman comes to terms with a shocking secret about her husband’s life won the award for Best British Independent Film, presented by Kate Beckinsale. Khan won three more BIFAs – Best Director, The Douglas Hickox Award for Best Debut Director and Best Screenplay, with Joanna Scanlan winning Best Actress and Talid Ariss Best Supporting Actor for their performances in the film.
Adeel Akhtar won Best Actor for his role in Clio Barnard’s story of forbidden love, “Ali & Ava,” which also saw Connie Farr and Harry Escott scoring the Best Music award.
The Best Supporting Actress award went to Vinette Robinson for her work in Philip Barantini’s single-take restaurant kitchen drama “Boiling Point,” which also received awards for Carolyn McCleod for Best Casting, Matthew Lewis...
- 12/5/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
’After Love’ wins best British independent film, plus actress and director prizes.
Aleem Khan’s feature directing debut After Love won six awards at this year’s British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs), which took place tonight (December 5) in London.
Scroll down for full lst of winners
After Love won best British independent film, with Khan taking home three prizes: best director, best debut director and best screenplay. Khan was named a Screen Star of Tomorrow in 2015 and his 2014 short Three Brothers received a Bafta nomination.
The film stars Joanna Scanlan, who also won best actress, as a Muslim woman who...
Aleem Khan’s feature directing debut After Love won six awards at this year’s British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs), which took place tonight (December 5) in London.
Scroll down for full lst of winners
After Love won best British independent film, with Khan taking home three prizes: best director, best debut director and best screenplay. Khan was named a Screen Star of Tomorrow in 2015 and his 2014 short Three Brothers received a Bafta nomination.
The film stars Joanna Scanlan, who also won best actress, as a Muslim woman who...
- 12/5/2021
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Kenneth Branagh’s “Belfast” and Philip Barantini’s “Boiling Point” lead nominations at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), with 11 nods each.
Nominations for “Belfast,” Branagh’s autobiographical tale of life as a young boy in Belfast in 1969 in the midst of the Troubles, include best actress for Caitríona Balfe, best supporting actress for Judi Dench, best supporting actor for Ciarán Hinds and a breakthrough performance nomination for newcomer Jude Hill in addition to seven craft nominations.
Nominations for single take film “Boiling Point,” which follows an up-and-coming chef under extreme pressure, include best actor for Stephen Graham, best supporting actor for Ray Panthaki, best supporting actress for Vinette Robinson and a breakthrough performance nomination for Lauryn Ajufo.
Aleem Khan’s “After Love,” Prano Bailey-Bond’s “Censor” and Joanna Hogg’s “The Souvenir Part II” have nine nominations each, while Clio Barnard’s “Ali & Ava” has seven nominations, Sean Durkin...
Nominations for “Belfast,” Branagh’s autobiographical tale of life as a young boy in Belfast in 1969 in the midst of the Troubles, include best actress for Caitríona Balfe, best supporting actress for Judi Dench, best supporting actor for Ciarán Hinds and a breakthrough performance nomination for newcomer Jude Hill in addition to seven craft nominations.
Nominations for single take film “Boiling Point,” which follows an up-and-coming chef under extreme pressure, include best actor for Stephen Graham, best supporting actor for Ray Panthaki, best supporting actress for Vinette Robinson and a breakthrough performance nomination for Lauryn Ajufo.
Aleem Khan’s “After Love,” Prano Bailey-Bond’s “Censor” and Joanna Hogg’s “The Souvenir Part II” have nine nominations each, while Clio Barnard’s “Ali & Ava” has seven nominations, Sean Durkin...
- 11/3/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Variety Director to Watch Prano Bailey-Bond (“Censor”) and BAFTA-nominated “After Love” filmmaker Aleem Khan are among the 39 filmmakers longlisted in the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) new talent categories.
The 39 longlisted filmmakers will be invited to join BIFA’s Springboard scheme, a tailored program of professional development, peer-to-peer support, mentoring, networking and skills enhancement aimed to nurture emerging talent as they build on the success of their first features.
The final five nominations in each category will be announced on Nov. 3. Winners will be revealed at the ceremony on Dec. 5.
The longlists:
The Douglas Hickox Award
(Best Debut Director)
Aleem Khan – “After Love”
Matt Chambers – “The Bike Thief”
Prano Bailey-Bond – “Censor”
Jonathan Butterell – “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie”
Sonita Gale – “Hostile”
Jack Clough – “People Just Do Nothing: Big In Japan”
Reggie Yates – “Pirates”
Celeste Bell “Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliché” [also Directed By Paul Sng]
Corinna Faith – “The Power”
Charlotte Colbert – “She Will...
The 39 longlisted filmmakers will be invited to join BIFA’s Springboard scheme, a tailored program of professional development, peer-to-peer support, mentoring, networking and skills enhancement aimed to nurture emerging talent as they build on the success of their first features.
The final five nominations in each category will be announced on Nov. 3. Winners will be revealed at the ceremony on Dec. 5.
The longlists:
The Douglas Hickox Award
(Best Debut Director)
Aleem Khan – “After Love”
Matt Chambers – “The Bike Thief”
Prano Bailey-Bond – “Censor”
Jonathan Butterell – “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie”
Sonita Gale – “Hostile”
Jack Clough – “People Just Do Nothing: Big In Japan”
Reggie Yates – “Pirates”
Celeste Bell “Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliché” [also Directed By Paul Sng]
Corinna Faith – “The Power”
Charlotte Colbert – “She Will...
- 10/20/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Ben Sharrock’s feature scooped Hitchcock d’Or Ciné and the public prize feature film award
Ben Sharrock’s Limbo has won the Hitchcock d’Or Ciné and the public prize feature film award at the 32nd edition of Dinard Festival of British Film, which took place as a hybrid event from September 29 to October 3.
Sharrock’s Bifa award-winning sophomore feature stars Screen Star of Tomorrow Amir El-Masry as a promising young musician who has fled the conflict in Syria, and finds himself stranded with a group of other refugees on a remote Scottish island.
Nika McGuigan received a posthumous...
Ben Sharrock’s Limbo has won the Hitchcock d’Or Ciné and the public prize feature film award at the 32nd edition of Dinard Festival of British Film, which took place as a hybrid event from September 29 to October 3.
Sharrock’s Bifa award-winning sophomore feature stars Screen Star of Tomorrow Amir El-Masry as a promising young musician who has fled the conflict in Syria, and finds himself stranded with a group of other refugees on a remote Scottish island.
Nika McGuigan received a posthumous...
- 10/7/2021
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Phoebe Waller-Bridge is on the jury for the key UK film prize.
Lee Haven Jones, Harry Wootliff and Rob Savage, the directors of The Feast, True Things and Dashcam respectively, have been shortlisted for the £50,000 Iwc Schaffhausen Filmmaker Bursary Award in association with the BFI, which will be presented on Sunday October 17 as part of the BFI London Film Festival (Lff).
Haven Jones has been selected for his debut feature, while Wootliff and Savage are both selected for their second films. This year’s winner will be chosen by writer, actor and producer Phoebe Waller-Bridge, alongside BFI CEO Ben Roberts.
Lee Haven Jones, Harry Wootliff and Rob Savage, the directors of The Feast, True Things and Dashcam respectively, have been shortlisted for the £50,000 Iwc Schaffhausen Filmmaker Bursary Award in association with the BFI, which will be presented on Sunday October 17 as part of the BFI London Film Festival (Lff).
Haven Jones has been selected for his debut feature, while Wootliff and Savage are both selected for their second films. This year’s winner will be chosen by writer, actor and producer Phoebe Waller-Bridge, alongside BFI CEO Ben Roberts.
- 10/1/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Further new openers include ‘Wildfire’, ‘Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins’.
Blockbuster and independent titles are on releaes at UK and Ireland cinemas this weekend, with Disney debuting Shang-Chi And The Legend of the Ten Rings, and Mubi launching Leos Carax’s Cannes opener Annette.
Playing in 643 locations for Disney and made under the Marvel Studios banner, Shang-Chi And The Legend of the Ten Rings tells the story of a master of unarmed weaponry-based Kung Fu, who is forced to confront his past after being drawn into the Ten Rings organisation.
The film is a substantial step up in budget and...
Blockbuster and independent titles are on releaes at UK and Ireland cinemas this weekend, with Disney debuting Shang-Chi And The Legend of the Ten Rings, and Mubi launching Leos Carax’s Cannes opener Annette.
Playing in 643 locations for Disney and made under the Marvel Studios banner, Shang-Chi And The Legend of the Ten Rings tells the story of a master of unarmed weaponry-based Kung Fu, who is forced to confront his past after being drawn into the Ten Rings organisation.
The film is a substantial step up in budget and...
- 9/3/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Cathy Brady’s disquieting film about a mysterious return has an extra layer of melancholy, because it features the last performance by the late Nika McGuigan
Two fiercely committed performances are the bedrock of this drama from writer-director Cathy Brady. Nora-Jane Noone plays Lauren, who lives near the Northern Irish border with her partner, and works in a vast Amazon-style fulfilment centre; and Nika McGuigan (from RTÉ’s TV comedy Can’t Cope Won’t Cope) plays her troubled sister Kelly, returning home after a mysterious yearlong absence. This tense reunion revives painful memories of their mother, who took her own life when they were both children. Yet Kelly’s homecoming also appears to relight the wildfire in the hearts of both women, as they challenge the menfolk thereabouts who are still in hock to the macho cult of terrorist violence.
This sombre film has an extra shadow of sadness...
Two fiercely committed performances are the bedrock of this drama from writer-director Cathy Brady. Nora-Jane Noone plays Lauren, who lives near the Northern Irish border with her partner, and works in a vast Amazon-style fulfilment centre; and Nika McGuigan (from RTÉ’s TV comedy Can’t Cope Won’t Cope) plays her troubled sister Kelly, returning home after a mysterious yearlong absence. This tense reunion revives painful memories of their mother, who took her own life when they were both children. Yet Kelly’s homecoming also appears to relight the wildfire in the hearts of both women, as they challenge the menfolk thereabouts who are still in hock to the macho cult of terrorist violence.
This sombre film has an extra shadow of sadness...
- 9/2/2021
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
The festival films will all be split across six strands, including competition titles.
Dinard Festival of British Film has set the programme and jury for its 32nd edition, which will take place from September 29 to October 3 both in-person in northern France and online.
Following the cancellation of the 2020 edition due to the pandemic, the festival returns with six new thematic strands, all exhibiting different aspects of UK and Irish film.
‘Dinard Rocks The Casbah’ presents four features exploring different musical genres – reggae, punk, britpop and techno. ‘Irish Eyes In Dinard’ includes five recent Irish features including Phyllida Lloyd’s Herself,...
Dinard Festival of British Film has set the programme and jury for its 32nd edition, which will take place from September 29 to October 3 both in-person in northern France and online.
Following the cancellation of the 2020 edition due to the pandemic, the festival returns with six new thematic strands, all exhibiting different aspects of UK and Irish film.
‘Dinard Rocks The Casbah’ presents four features exploring different musical genres – reggae, punk, britpop and techno. ‘Irish Eyes In Dinard’ includes five recent Irish features including Phyllida Lloyd’s Herself,...
- 9/1/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
UK distributor is looking for investment partners.
UK distributor Modern Films has hired a chief operating officer in a new role, as part of a rebrand of the company.
Former Curzon executive Phil Mordecai has joined the company to work on the corporate development of the revamped, newly-named Modern Films Group.
The Group will consist of four elements: Modern Films Fund, which will invest in the creation and distribution of socio-cultural stories; production, distribution and licensing arm Modern Films Entertainment; Modern Films Technology, a virtual screening room and embeddable player for exhibitors and audience data; and Modern Films Impact Projects focused on environmental,...
UK distributor Modern Films has hired a chief operating officer in a new role, as part of a rebrand of the company.
Former Curzon executive Phil Mordecai has joined the company to work on the corporate development of the revamped, newly-named Modern Films Group.
The Group will consist of four elements: Modern Films Fund, which will invest in the creation and distribution of socio-cultural stories; production, distribution and licensing arm Modern Films Entertainment; Modern Films Technology, a virtual screening room and embeddable player for exhibitors and audience data; and Modern Films Impact Projects focused on environmental,...
- 8/6/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Modern Films has debuted 6 new stunning posters for Cathy Brady’s directorial debut and IFTA nominated film ‘Wildfire’ and we have the exclusive first look to share with you.
The film’s synopsis reads – Born within a year of each other, Lauren (Nora-Jane Noone) and Kelly (Nika McGuigan) are ‘Irish twins’. You’d never see one without the other, but over the years the mystery of their mother’s death tore them apart. Kelly, keen to escape their insular town, drifted away and disappeared a year ago. Lauren’s life has been on hold since reporting her sister missing.
Kelly’s unexpected return sees a surge of every raw emotion between the sisters. Lauren doesn’t know whether to kiss her or hit her. But as they begin to relive memories of their mother, the sister’s become inseparable. Their bond is stronger than ever and Kelly’s desire for the truth is dangerously reignited.
The film’s synopsis reads – Born within a year of each other, Lauren (Nora-Jane Noone) and Kelly (Nika McGuigan) are ‘Irish twins’. You’d never see one without the other, but over the years the mystery of their mother’s death tore them apart. Kelly, keen to escape their insular town, drifted away and disappeared a year ago. Lauren’s life has been on hold since reporting her sister missing.
Kelly’s unexpected return sees a surge of every raw emotion between the sisters. Lauren doesn’t know whether to kiss her or hit her. But as they begin to relive memories of their mother, the sister’s become inseparable. Their bond is stronger than ever and Kelly’s desire for the truth is dangerously reignited.
- 7/15/2021
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The awards took place virtually last night (July 4).
Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon’s Oscar-nominated feature Wolfwalkers has won best film at the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs).
The IFTAs also honoured Element Pictures’ Normal People, with the series winning many of the top TV categories including drama, script, director (Lenny Abrahamson) and lead actor (Paul Mescal).
The awards took place virtually last night (July 4), with several high-profile guests including Mark Hamill, Josh Brolin and Olivia Colman presenting awards.
The late Nika McGuigan was awarded the best actress IFTA for her work on Cathy Brady’s directorial debut, Wildfire.
Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon’s Oscar-nominated feature Wolfwalkers has won best film at the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs).
The IFTAs also honoured Element Pictures’ Normal People, with the series winning many of the top TV categories including drama, script, director (Lenny Abrahamson) and lead actor (Paul Mescal).
The awards took place virtually last night (July 4), with several high-profile guests including Mark Hamill, Josh Brolin and Olivia Colman presenting awards.
The late Nika McGuigan was awarded the best actress IFTA for her work on Cathy Brady’s directorial debut, Wildfire.
- 7/5/2021
- by Esther McCarthy
- ScreenDaily
The Academy Award-nominated animated feature “Wolfwalkers,” from Kilkenny-based studio Cartoon Saloon, has won Best Film at the Irish Film and Television Awards this evening.
It is the second time an animated feature has won in the category, the first being Cartoon Saloon’s “Song of the Sea” in 2015.
“Avengers: Endgame” star Josh Brolin presented the award for Best Film. “My own story with Ireland is that at 20 years old I was in Dublin, and I blindly walked into a theatre on a movie called ‘My Left Foot,’ and left a changed man,” he recalled. “With the rest of my very little money that same trip, I saw the Cusack’s do ‘The Three Sisters’ at the Gate Theatre and was again changed. I also read ‘A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man’ that same trip. Ireland has had a massive impact on me, so I just wanted to...
It is the second time an animated feature has won in the category, the first being Cartoon Saloon’s “Song of the Sea” in 2015.
“Avengers: Endgame” star Josh Brolin presented the award for Best Film. “My own story with Ireland is that at 20 years old I was in Dublin, and I blindly walked into a theatre on a movie called ‘My Left Foot,’ and left a changed man,” he recalled. “With the rest of my very little money that same trip, I saw the Cusack’s do ‘The Three Sisters’ at the Gate Theatre and was again changed. I also read ‘A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man’ that same trip. Ireland has had a massive impact on me, so I just wanted to...
- 7/4/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Winners have been announced for the 2021 Irish Film & Television Academy Awards, which took place virtually this year. Scroll down for the full list.
Hit TV series Normal People dominated the small screen awards, winning nine from its 15 nominations. The show took prizes including Best Drama, Best Director Drama for Lenny Abrahamson, and Best Actor for Paul Mescal.
Receiving his prize, Mescal thanked producers Element Pictures and director Lenny Abrahamson, and also described co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones as “one of the most incredible actresses working in our industry.”
Animated feature Wolfwalkers took the Best Film prize, only the second time in history that an animation has won the award, following Song Of The Sea in 2015, which also came from the the Kilkenny-based Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon.
Josh Brolin presented the award, saying: “My own story with Ireland is that at 20 years old I was in Dublin, and I blindly walked into...
Hit TV series Normal People dominated the small screen awards, winning nine from its 15 nominations. The show took prizes including Best Drama, Best Director Drama for Lenny Abrahamson, and Best Actor for Paul Mescal.
Receiving his prize, Mescal thanked producers Element Pictures and director Lenny Abrahamson, and also described co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones as “one of the most incredible actresses working in our industry.”
Animated feature Wolfwalkers took the Best Film prize, only the second time in history that an animation has won the award, following Song Of The Sea in 2015, which also came from the the Kilkenny-based Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon.
Josh Brolin presented the award, saying: “My own story with Ireland is that at 20 years old I was in Dublin, and I blindly walked into...
- 7/4/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Strong totals for Phyllida Lloyd’s ‘Herself’, animation ‘Wolfwalkers’.
Coming-of-age drama Dating Amber, Element Pictures’ Herself, and Oscar nominee Wolfwalkers are among the best film contenders at this year’s Irish Film & Television Awards (IFTAs).
Element and BBC TV series Normal People leads the overall nominations, shortlisted in 15 categories.
Scroll down for the list of nominations
Nominations across 25 categories in film and TV drama have been announced, with the awards to take place virtually and be broadcast on Virgin Media One on Sunday, July 4.
Across all film categories including craft and technical, David Freyne’s Dating Amber, about two closeted teenagers in 1990s Ireland,...
Coming-of-age drama Dating Amber, Element Pictures’ Herself, and Oscar nominee Wolfwalkers are among the best film contenders at this year’s Irish Film & Television Awards (IFTAs).
Element and BBC TV series Normal People leads the overall nominations, shortlisted in 15 categories.
Scroll down for the list of nominations
Nominations across 25 categories in film and TV drama have been announced, with the awards to take place virtually and be broadcast on Virgin Media One on Sunday, July 4.
Across all film categories including craft and technical, David Freyne’s Dating Amber, about two closeted teenagers in 1990s Ireland,...
- 6/15/2021
- by Esther McCarthy
- ScreenDaily
Annual bursary prize is awarded at the BFI London Film Festival.
Diversity standards have been introduced to the Iwc Schaffhausen Filmmaker Bursary Award, which grants a £50,000 prize to a UK-based writer, director, or writer-director with a first or second film at the BFI London Film Festival.
For the first time, all of the projects by the filmmakers applying for the annual award will have to meet BFI Diversity Standards, in a bid to support underrepresented filmmakers and raise awareness of the drive towards greater inclusion.
The BFI Diversity Standards – which are a requirement for the majority of public funding for film in the UK,...
Diversity standards have been introduced to the Iwc Schaffhausen Filmmaker Bursary Award, which grants a £50,000 prize to a UK-based writer, director, or writer-director with a first or second film at the BFI London Film Festival.
For the first time, all of the projects by the filmmakers applying for the annual award will have to meet BFI Diversity Standards, in a bid to support underrepresented filmmakers and raise awareness of the drive towards greater inclusion.
The BFI Diversity Standards – which are a requirement for the majority of public funding for film in the UK,...
- 5/7/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
London-based production, finance and sales outfit “Film Constellation” has boarded international sales on dystopian sci-fi thriller “Settlers,” directed by Wyatt Rockefeller, and starring Sofia Boutella, whose credits include “Atomic Blonde,” “The Mummy,” the “Kingsman” franchise and “Star Trek: Beyond.”
Boutella plays Ilsa, a refugee from Earth, who has settled with her husband and daughter on the harsh and arid terrain of a Martian outpost. With nothing but a few crops and a domesticated robot, the family clings to hope for a better life, but everything is turned upside down when a group of armed assailants appear on the surrounding hills. Mother and daughter must then adapt at all cost to survive until it’s time to finally strike back.
The movie, which was shot on the remote border of South Africa and Namibia, is now in post-production.
The cast also includes Brooklynn Prince, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Nell Tiger Free, and Jonny Lee Miller.
Boutella plays Ilsa, a refugee from Earth, who has settled with her husband and daughter on the harsh and arid terrain of a Martian outpost. With nothing but a few crops and a domesticated robot, the family clings to hope for a better life, but everything is turned upside down when a group of armed assailants appear on the surrounding hills. Mother and daughter must then adapt at all cost to survive until it’s time to finally strike back.
The movie, which was shot on the remote border of South Africa and Namibia, is now in post-production.
The cast also includes Brooklynn Prince, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Nell Tiger Free, and Jonny Lee Miller.
- 4/12/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Paul Mescal emerged as one of the breakout stars of 2020 thanks to his performance in BBC and Hulu drama “Normal People.”
Ireland has seen a slew of such acting talent establish themselves in recent years, like Jessie Buckley with her star turn as the pregnant wife of a doomed Russian fireman in “Chernobyl” and Barry Keoghan, who won attention with lead roles in two 2017 films, “Killing of a Sacred Deer” and “Dunkirk.” Keoghan is now BAFTA-nominated for “Calm with Horses,” as is Niamh Algar, whose credits include “The Virtues” and “Raised by Wolves.” Elsewhere Domhnall Gleeson has made a name for himself as General Dux in recent “Star Wars” films, and also in “The Revenant” and “Ex Machina.”
Among the new generation of actors to watch are Fionn O’Shea, chosen as one of the Berlin Film Festival’s Shooting Stars of 2021. A “Normal People” alumnus, O’Shea will next be...
Ireland has seen a slew of such acting talent establish themselves in recent years, like Jessie Buckley with her star turn as the pregnant wife of a doomed Russian fireman in “Chernobyl” and Barry Keoghan, who won attention with lead roles in two 2017 films, “Killing of a Sacred Deer” and “Dunkirk.” Keoghan is now BAFTA-nominated for “Calm with Horses,” as is Niamh Algar, whose credits include “The Virtues” and “Raised by Wolves.” Elsewhere Domhnall Gleeson has made a name for himself as General Dux in recent “Star Wars” films, and also in “The Revenant” and “Ex Machina.”
Among the new generation of actors to watch are Fionn O’Shea, chosen as one of the Berlin Film Festival’s Shooting Stars of 2021. A “Normal People” alumnus, O’Shea will next be...
- 3/16/2021
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
The two-time Oscar nominee lands on same day as ‘Venom 2’.
Studiocanal’s two-time Oscar nominee Another Round has confirmed its new UK-Ireland release date as June 25, 2021.
The Danish film, which received Oscar nominations in best director for Thomas Vinterberg and in international feature film, was originally scheduled for release in the territory on November 27.
That date was delayed, and the film removed from the release calendar, in early November, when the UK and Ireland entered into second coronavirus lockdowns.
Another Round had been set to premiere in Competition at Cannes 2020, before the event was cancelled; it received the Cannes Official Selection title,...
Studiocanal’s two-time Oscar nominee Another Round has confirmed its new UK-Ireland release date as June 25, 2021.
The Danish film, which received Oscar nominations in best director for Thomas Vinterberg and in international feature film, was originally scheduled for release in the territory on November 27.
That date was delayed, and the film removed from the release calendar, in early November, when the UK and Ireland entered into second coronavirus lockdowns.
Another Round had been set to premiere in Competition at Cannes 2020, before the event was cancelled; it received the Cannes Official Selection title,...
- 3/16/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
UK film event looks to follow up on record numbers for first online edition.
The BFI London Film Festival (Lff) will hold its 65th edition from October 6 to 17, 2021.
The festival has also confirmed its submissions deadline of Thursday June 17 at 5pm BST, for features and short films. Submissions are now open for UK shorts and features, and international short films.
Details of the format for the festival will be released in the coming months.
Lff held its first hybrid edition in October 2020, combining in-cinema experiences across the UK with an online edition via BFI Player.
The hybrid event secured a...
The BFI London Film Festival (Lff) will hold its 65th edition from October 6 to 17, 2021.
The festival has also confirmed its submissions deadline of Thursday June 17 at 5pm BST, for features and short films. Submissions are now open for UK shorts and features, and international short films.
Details of the format for the festival will be released in the coming months.
Lff held its first hybrid edition in October 2020, combining in-cinema experiences across the UK with an online edition via BFI Player.
The hybrid event secured a...
- 3/11/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Film4 exec described new post as Sue Bruce Smith’s “legacy”.
The UK’s Film4 has appointed Universal Pictures executive Stefanie Fahrion to its newly-created post of head of distribution and sales.
Fahrion will take up the role later this month, joining from London-based Universal Pictures Content Group (Upcg) where she is currently director, acquisitions and production.
Her new remit includes overseeing sales and distribution strategy on all Film4 productions, covering studio and streamer partnerships and independently- financed sales agent titles.
Fahrion will assess projects prior to greenlight; will lead on appointing sales agents and devising festival strategy; then will...
The UK’s Film4 has appointed Universal Pictures executive Stefanie Fahrion to its newly-created post of head of distribution and sales.
Fahrion will take up the role later this month, joining from London-based Universal Pictures Content Group (Upcg) where she is currently director, acquisitions and production.
Her new remit includes overseeing sales and distribution strategy on all Film4 productions, covering studio and streamer partnerships and independently- financed sales agent titles.
Fahrion will assess projects prior to greenlight; will lead on appointing sales agents and devising festival strategy; then will...
- 3/8/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Film Constellation handles world sales on the Irish drama, which debuted at Toronto.
Modern Films has secured UK and Ireland rights to Irish drama Wildfire, which recently won director Cathy Brady a top award at the BFI London Film Festival (Lff).
The UK distributor plans to release the feature theatrically in spring 2021 after striking the deal with Film Constellation, which is handling worldwide sales on the film and is in discussion with buyers at the virtual AFM this week.
Wildfire received its world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival before screening at the Lff, where Brady won the £50,000 Iwc Schaffhausen...
Modern Films has secured UK and Ireland rights to Irish drama Wildfire, which recently won director Cathy Brady a top award at the BFI London Film Festival (Lff).
The UK distributor plans to release the feature theatrically in spring 2021 after striking the deal with Film Constellation, which is handling worldwide sales on the film and is in discussion with buyers at the virtual AFM this week.
Wildfire received its world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival before screening at the Lff, where Brady won the £50,000 Iwc Schaffhausen...
- 11/10/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Wildfire – Making Of from Film Constellation on Vimeo. The emotionally stirring exploration into the tumultuous relationship between two estranged sisters can powerfully prove that their bond reflects the struggle of their country, as they all set out to emerge from a traumatic past. Lauren, the protagonist of the new drama, ‘Wildfire,’ must choose between […]
The post Toronto International Film Festival 2020 Interview: Cathy Brady and Nora-Jane Noone Talk Wildfire (Exclusive) appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Toronto International Film Festival 2020 Interview: Cathy Brady and Nora-Jane Noone Talk Wildfire (Exclusive) appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 10/20/2020
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
Ld Entertainment’s Mickey Liddell, Pete Shilaimon among producers.
STXfilms has acquired comedy script The Miserable Adventures Of Burt Squire Aboard The Horn High Yo with Harrison Ford and Ed Helms attached to star.
Ben Bolea wrote the screenplay inspired by a true story about a family man in the middle of a midlife crisis who embarks on a dream sailing vacation, only to end up shipwrecked in the Atlantic with an unhinged sea captain.
Ld Entertainment’s Mickey Liddell and Pete Shilaimon are producing the film alongside Kim Zubick, with Helms and Mike Falbo through their Pacific Electric Picture Co.
STXfilms has acquired comedy script The Miserable Adventures Of Burt Squire Aboard The Horn High Yo with Harrison Ford and Ed Helms attached to star.
Ben Bolea wrote the screenplay inspired by a true story about a family man in the middle of a midlife crisis who embarks on a dream sailing vacation, only to end up shipwrecked in the Atlantic with an unhinged sea captain.
Ld Entertainment’s Mickey Liddell and Pete Shilaimon are producing the film alongside Kim Zubick, with Helms and Mike Falbo through their Pacific Electric Picture Co.
- 10/19/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Kerry-born Jessie Buckey won two awards, for Wild Rose and Chernobyl.
Martin Scorsese presented the top awards at the Irish Film and Television Academy awards, which were held virtually for the first time in two years last night (October 18).
Ordinary Love, directed by Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn and starring Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville, won the best film 2020 award. Lance Daly’s period thriller Black ’47 won the 2019 version.
The virtual awards were broadcast on national TV channel Virgin Media One, with Scorsese telling the audience: “It appears to me that we are all having to reinvent cinema now,...
Martin Scorsese presented the top awards at the Irish Film and Television Academy awards, which were held virtually for the first time in two years last night (October 18).
Ordinary Love, directed by Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn and starring Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville, won the best film 2020 award. Lance Daly’s period thriller Black ’47 won the 2019 version.
The virtual awards were broadcast on national TV channel Virgin Media One, with Scorsese telling the audience: “It appears to me that we are all having to reinvent cinema now,...
- 10/19/2020
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Tom Chesover promoted to international sales manager.
UK-based Protagonist Pictures has hired Janina Vilsmaier as director of international sales.
Vilsmaier, who most recently served as director of sales at HanWay Films, will oversee major European territories including France, German-speaking Europe, Benelux, Spain, and Italy, as well as Latin America.
“She possesses the perfect combination of talents that international film executives require in the ever-evolving indie film landscape,” said Protagonist’s head of sales George Hamilton of Vilsmaier.
At HanWay, Vilsmaier worked on the likes of Colette, Pavarotti, and The Card Counter. Prior to HanWay she worked in production on German films.
UK-based Protagonist Pictures has hired Janina Vilsmaier as director of international sales.
Vilsmaier, who most recently served as director of sales at HanWay Films, will oversee major European territories including France, German-speaking Europe, Benelux, Spain, and Italy, as well as Latin America.
“She possesses the perfect combination of talents that international film executives require in the ever-evolving indie film landscape,” said Protagonist’s head of sales George Hamilton of Vilsmaier.
At HanWay, Vilsmaier worked on the likes of Colette, Pavarotti, and The Card Counter. Prior to HanWay she worked in production on German films.
- 10/19/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Thomas Vinterberg’s film “Another Round,” starring Mads Mikkelsen, has taken home the top prize at this year’s BFI London Film Festival.
“Another Round” won the Audience Award for best film, while “The Painter and the Thief,” directed by Benjamin Ree won best documentary; Tommy Gillard’s “Shuttlecock” was the best short film and “To Miss the Ending,” directed by Anna West and David Callanan, was awarded best Xr/immersive art.
“Another Round” tells the story of Martin, played by Mikkelsen, a tutor, husband and father who was once brilliant but becomes only a shell of his former self.
“Thank you to the audience at the London Film Festival for bringing this award to us. We are very proud to receive this from a British audience; it’s a great honour. We are so sad that we can’t be there,” Vinterberg said of his award.
First-time feature director...
“Another Round” won the Audience Award for best film, while “The Painter and the Thief,” directed by Benjamin Ree won best documentary; Tommy Gillard’s “Shuttlecock” was the best short film and “To Miss the Ending,” directed by Anna West and David Callanan, was awarded best Xr/immersive art.
“Another Round” tells the story of Martin, played by Mikkelsen, a tutor, husband and father who was once brilliant but becomes only a shell of his former self.
“Thank you to the audience at the London Film Festival for bringing this award to us. We are very proud to receive this from a British audience; it’s a great honour. We are so sad that we can’t be there,” Vinterberg said of his award.
First-time feature director...
- 10/18/2020
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
The 2020 BFI London Film Festival has unveiled its virtual audience award winners, with Thomas Vinterberg’s Mads Mikkelsen-starring Danish comedy Another Round scooping Best Film.
The awards replaced the typical jury-voted prizes, which didn’t happen this year due to the pandemic forcing the majority of the fest online.
Also awarded tonight was the Iwc Schaffhausen Filmmaker Bursary, with Wildfire filmmaker Cathy Brady receiving the £50,000 grant, which goes to a first or second time UK filmmaker presenting work in the fest.
Further prizes were handed out to Benjamin Ree’s The Painter And The Thief, which took Best Documentary, Tommy Gillard’s Shuttlecock, which won Best Short Film, and Anna West and David Callanan’s To Miss The Ending, which took Best Xr/Immersive Art.
“I’m deeply honoured to receive the Iwc Schaffhausen Filmmaker Bursary. In a year that has been so turbulent for so many, it feels...
The awards replaced the typical jury-voted prizes, which didn’t happen this year due to the pandemic forcing the majority of the fest online.
Also awarded tonight was the Iwc Schaffhausen Filmmaker Bursary, with Wildfire filmmaker Cathy Brady receiving the £50,000 grant, which goes to a first or second time UK filmmaker presenting work in the fest.
Further prizes were handed out to Benjamin Ree’s The Painter And The Thief, which took Best Documentary, Tommy Gillard’s Shuttlecock, which won Best Short Film, and Anna West and David Callanan’s To Miss The Ending, which took Best Xr/Immersive Art.
“I’m deeply honoured to receive the Iwc Schaffhausen Filmmaker Bursary. In a year that has been so turbulent for so many, it feels...
- 10/18/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Brady won the £50,000 Iwc Schaffhausen bursary in association with the BFI.
Wildfire director Cathy Brady has been awarded the £50,000 Iwc Schaffhausen filmmaker bursary award in association with the BFI.
The award was presented to Brady at a virtual ceremony to mark the closing night of the 2020 BFI London FIlm Festival (Lff) on Sunday, October 18.
Thomas Vinterberg’s Another Round won the audience award for best film.
The annual bursary is presented to first- or second-time UK writer, director, or writer-director. Wildfire, which was selected for last month’s online Toronto International FIlm Festival, stars Nora-Jane Noone and the late Nika McGuigan,...
Wildfire director Cathy Brady has been awarded the £50,000 Iwc Schaffhausen filmmaker bursary award in association with the BFI.
The award was presented to Brady at a virtual ceremony to mark the closing night of the 2020 BFI London FIlm Festival (Lff) on Sunday, October 18.
Thomas Vinterberg’s Another Round won the audience award for best film.
The annual bursary is presented to first- or second-time UK writer, director, or writer-director. Wildfire, which was selected for last month’s online Toronto International FIlm Festival, stars Nora-Jane Noone and the late Nika McGuigan,...
- 10/18/2020
- by Louise Tutt
- ScreenDaily
“Wildfire” is about the bond between two sisters dealing with a shared trauma, but director Cathy Brady and star Nora-Jane Noone had to cope with their own trauma when Noone’s co-star Nika McGuigan died as the film was being edited.
Brady dedicated “Wildfire” to McGuigan’s memory, and both Brady and Noone talked about the challenges of promoting the film at TIFF without her. McGuigan died in July 2019 at age 33 from a cancer-related illness after having recovered from leukemia when she was a teenager, and both Noone and Brady said how much of a shock it was for someone so close to them could pass away so young and within weeks of getting her terminal diagnosis.
“It didn’t hit home, it didn’t seem possible that she would pass away. You hope against all hope that because she was young and so healthy and so mindful of her health,...
Brady dedicated “Wildfire” to McGuigan’s memory, and both Brady and Noone talked about the challenges of promoting the film at TIFF without her. McGuigan died in July 2019 at age 33 from a cancer-related illness after having recovered from leukemia when she was a teenager, and both Noone and Brady said how much of a shock it was for someone so close to them could pass away so young and within weeks of getting her terminal diagnosis.
“It didn’t hit home, it didn’t seem possible that she would pass away. You hope against all hope that because she was young and so healthy and so mindful of her health,...
- 10/1/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
In today’s Global Bulletin, Netflix picks up four originals in Nigeria, Amazon Prime Video gets Noggin in several major European markets, Walter Presents buys three Polish series, and Iwc Schaffhausen and the BFI announce finalists and jury for this year’s Filmmaker Bursary Award.
Streaming
Netflix has announced a slate of new original series and films from Nigeria, doubling down on its commitment to finding and promoting talent on the African continent.
One new series and three Nigerian films were secured by Netflix in various stages of production, with some ready to debut immediately.
“Far From Home” is a six-part series created by Chinaza Onuzo and Dami Elebe, who double as executive producer and writer. Produced by Inkblot Productions, It follows Ishaya, a teenage artist who wins a scholarship that launches her from her humble surroundings into the world of Nigeria’s 1%. Actor-producer Funke Akindele is confirmed for a lead role.
Streaming
Netflix has announced a slate of new original series and films from Nigeria, doubling down on its commitment to finding and promoting talent on the African continent.
One new series and three Nigerian films were secured by Netflix in various stages of production, with some ready to debut immediately.
“Far From Home” is a six-part series created by Chinaza Onuzo and Dami Elebe, who double as executive producer and writer. Produced by Inkblot Productions, It follows Ishaya, a teenage artist who wins a scholarship that launches her from her humble surroundings into the world of Nigeria’s 1%. Actor-producer Funke Akindele is confirmed for a lead role.
- 9/21/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Cathy Brady, Aleem Khan, and Francis Lee make the shortlist.
The BFI has revealed the shortlist for the three filmmakers in the running for the Iwc Schaffhausen Filmmaker Bursary Award, which grants a £50,000 prize to a UK-based writer, director, or writer-director with a first or second film at the BFI London Film Festival.
The 2020 shortlist comprises Cathy Brady, writer-director of Wildfire; Aleem Khan, writer-director of After Love; and Francis Lee, writer-director of Ammonite.
The jury will be led by Michaela Coel, the creator and star of HBO/BBC drama series I May Destroy You, who will be joined by BFI...
The BFI has revealed the shortlist for the three filmmakers in the running for the Iwc Schaffhausen Filmmaker Bursary Award, which grants a £50,000 prize to a UK-based writer, director, or writer-director with a first or second film at the BFI London Film Festival.
The 2020 shortlist comprises Cathy Brady, writer-director of Wildfire; Aleem Khan, writer-director of After Love; and Francis Lee, writer-director of Ammonite.
The jury will be led by Michaela Coel, the creator and star of HBO/BBC drama series I May Destroy You, who will be joined by BFI...
- 9/21/2020
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
The BFI and Iwc Schaffhausen today revealed the three filmmakers shortlisted for the annual Iwc Schaffhausen Filmmaker Bursary Award, given in association with the UK film organization.
The 2020 contenders are Cathy Brady, writer-director of debut feature Wildfire, Aleem Khan, writer-director of debut feature After Love, and Francis Lee, writer-director of sophomore feature Ammonite, starring Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan.
At £50,000 ($65k), and now in its fifth year, the prize is one of the most significant bursaries of its kind in the UK, expressly designed to support the future careers of promising new UK film talent.
Brit multi-hyphenate Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You) will join Ben Roberts, Chief Executive of the BFI and Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of luxury watch maker Iwc Schaffhausen, to select the winner, which will be announced at the BFI London Film Festival 2020 Virtual Lff Audience Awards, on Sunday 18 October – the closing night of the festival.
Chaired by Tricia Tuttle,...
The 2020 contenders are Cathy Brady, writer-director of debut feature Wildfire, Aleem Khan, writer-director of debut feature After Love, and Francis Lee, writer-director of sophomore feature Ammonite, starring Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan.
At £50,000 ($65k), and now in its fifth year, the prize is one of the most significant bursaries of its kind in the UK, expressly designed to support the future careers of promising new UK film talent.
Brit multi-hyphenate Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You) will join Ben Roberts, Chief Executive of the BFI and Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of luxury watch maker Iwc Schaffhausen, to select the winner, which will be announced at the BFI London Film Festival 2020 Virtual Lff Audience Awards, on Sunday 18 October – the closing night of the festival.
Chaired by Tricia Tuttle,...
- 9/21/2020
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Two sisters from a Northern Irish town close to the border with Eire, played by Nika McGuigan and Nora-Jane Noone, feel the long shadow of both the Troubles and their own troubled past when they’re reunited after a long estrangement in British-Irish co-production Wildfire. Writer-director Cathy Brady’s first feature after a few shorts and TV work is often striking visually and heady with atmosphere, and while the script often flirts with melodrama it’s quite refreshing to see a story from that region so embedded in female perspectives instead of that of the usual sectarian men of violence.
The ...
The ...
- 9/17/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Two sisters from a Northern Irish town close to the border with Eire, played by Nika McGuigan and Nora-Jane Noone, feel the long shadow of both the Troubles and their own troubled past when they’re reunited after a long estrangement in British-Irish co-production Wildfire. Writer-director Cathy Brady’s first feature after a few shorts and TV work is often striking visually and heady with atmosphere, and while the script often flirts with melodrama it’s quite refreshing to see a story from that region so embedded in female perspectives instead of that of the usual sectarian men of violence.
The ...
The ...
- 9/17/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The unspoken and often ineffable syzygy between sisters sharing in a mutual trauma is one rife for cinematic inquiry, from the films of Ingmar Bergman to Lars von Trier’s “Melancholia” and even “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” Cathy Brady’s “Wildfire” is set in a fractious Ireland where the gulf between estranged siblings Kelly (Nika McGuigan) and Lauren (Nora-Jane Noone) is as wide and blurry as the void between the North and the South post-Brexit. While the film at first establishes a political framework with a blistering montage of current events in the UK, “Wildfire” shifts into a more personal tale about women shouldering psychic damage, and coming together to reckon with the past. While occasionally veering into melodrama, . And the film itself becomes all the more tragic once, by the closing credits, it’s revealed star McGuigan, who gives a chilling and complex performance, died from cancer...
- 9/17/2020
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
London-based sales and production company Film Constellation has scored multiple new deals on Natalie Erika James’ all-female Sundance horror hit “Relic.” The movie has now sold out internationally. Lauded by critics, the film opened in the U.S. in July via IFC Films, rapidly grossing $1.2 million at the box office, following a successful drive-in campaign and day-and date release.
A multi-territory deal has been inked with MGM across Latin America, Greece, Portugal, India, and inflight. Benelux went to Dutch FilmWorks, which earned $300,000 after three weeks of its release in the Netherlands in late August. Eastern Europe went to HBO, Middle East and North Africa to Falcon Films, and Thailand to Ipa Asia Pacific.
As previously announced, the U.K. went to Signature Entertainment; German-speaking territories to Leonine; France to Star Invest Films; Scandinavia to Europafilms; Spain to Selecta Vision; Cis and Baltics to Rocket Releasing; Taiwan to Sky Digi Entertainment; and Vietnam to Mockingbird Pictures.
A multi-territory deal has been inked with MGM across Latin America, Greece, Portugal, India, and inflight. Benelux went to Dutch FilmWorks, which earned $300,000 after three weeks of its release in the Netherlands in late August. Eastern Europe went to HBO, Middle East and North Africa to Falcon Films, and Thailand to Ipa Asia Pacific.
As previously announced, the U.K. went to Signature Entertainment; German-speaking territories to Leonine; France to Star Invest Films; Scandinavia to Europafilms; Spain to Selecta Vision; Cis and Baltics to Rocket Releasing; Taiwan to Sky Digi Entertainment; and Vietnam to Mockingbird Pictures.
- 9/17/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
The impending Brexit has pundits on television weighing the option of whether or not it will mean the return of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland—something 1998’s Good Friday Agreement had more or less dissolved in the wake of the violent period of political unrest known as The Troubles. While some might think a development like that could re-ignite tensions between the sovereign republic and UK province, such thoughts would infer that those tensions had ceased or that the scars of what occurred had somehow faded away these past two decades. Many families impacted by that guerilla war don’t have the luxury of putting it behind them. Many of them have yet to stop running from the carnage left in its wake.
Writer-director Cathy Brady gives a voice to one such household with her feature debut Wildfire. In it she draws a young woman named Kelly...
Writer-director Cathy Brady gives a voice to one such household with her feature debut Wildfire. In it she draws a young woman named Kelly...
- 9/17/2020
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
There are troubles of the familial kind at the center of “Wildfire,” writer-director Cathy Brady’s gloomy debut feature set in a border town of Northern Ireland. Then there are “The Troubles,” the decades-long conflict between the region’s unionists and nationalists, the aftermath of which gives Brady’s straightforward and overstretched story its faint backdrop. Throughout, the filmmaker braids her thematic strands together, with the two sisters leading her yarn reconciling with their traumatic past that has been entangled with the province’s thorny history in more ways than one. But Brady’s ambition to marry the sociopolitical with the intimately personal doesn’t really lead to a convincing emotional payoff, despite her assured style and two powerhouse performances by Nora-Jane Noone and Nika McGuigan as the siblings.
In the role of Kelly, a long-missing woman who mysteriously turns up at her childhood town two years after her disappearance,...
In the role of Kelly, a long-missing woman who mysteriously turns up at her childhood town two years after her disappearance,...
- 9/16/2020
- by Tomris Laffly
- Variety Film + TV
Making its world premiere at the Toronto Intl. Film Festival, “Wildfire,” which is the big-screen debut of writer/director Cathy Brady and was co-financed by the BFI, Screen Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen, Film4, Great Point Media and the Wellcome Trust, tells a poignant and emotionally affecting small-town story of sisters who are facing some serious life obstacles, and because Brady’s uncompromising narrative, which is laced with secrets and twists, and never backs down from a challenge. Co-star Nika McGuigan passed away from cancer while the film was in the editing process, further cementing the project as a labor of love for all involved. Brady spoke with Variety about the film’s creation, what she hopes people will pull from it, and what she has coming up in the future.
How did this project get started?
This is a very personal and political film, and it very much deals with the baggage of the troubles,...
How did this project get started?
This is a very personal and political film, and it very much deals with the baggage of the troubles,...
- 9/12/2020
- by Nick Clement
- Variety Film + TV
Among an impressive list of U.K. projects to debut at the Toronto Intl. Film Festival, two of the most high-profile are TV dramas — underscoring how British scripted series are now rivalling the country’s proud tradition for indie cinema in terms of creativity, and — some might argue — even eclipsing it.
Psychological thriller “The Third Day” stars Jude Law and Naomi Harris, and is set on a mysterious British Island. With backing by HBO and Sky, the inventive six-parter is created by Felix Barrett, the founder and artistic director of renowned theater group Punchdrunk, and Dennis Kelly, the writer of “Matilda the Musical” and cult TV show “Utopia.”
Meanwhile, BBC-backed “A Suitable Boy” sees “Monsoon Wedding” and “The Namesake” director Mira Nair make her television debut with the adaptation of Vikram Seth’s classic novel set in 1950s India. Adapted by Andrew Davies, the doyen of period TV drama, “A Suitable Boy...
Psychological thriller “The Third Day” stars Jude Law and Naomi Harris, and is set on a mysterious British Island. With backing by HBO and Sky, the inventive six-parter is created by Felix Barrett, the founder and artistic director of renowned theater group Punchdrunk, and Dennis Kelly, the writer of “Matilda the Musical” and cult TV show “Utopia.”
Meanwhile, BBC-backed “A Suitable Boy” sees “Monsoon Wedding” and “The Namesake” director Mira Nair make her television debut with the adaptation of Vikram Seth’s classic novel set in 1950s India. Adapted by Andrew Davies, the doyen of period TV drama, “A Suitable Boy...
- 9/10/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
This year’s BFI London Film Festival, taking place as a hybrid of online and physical activities due to ongoing pandemic disruption, has unveiled a program of 58 titles.
A selection of screenings will take place at cinemas and others will take place in a virtual form for audiences across the UK. The films come from 40 countries. All screenings are geo-blocked to the UK, though festival talks will be available to experience for free around the world.
As previously announced, Steve McQueen’s Mangrove will open this year’s fest and Francis Lee’s Ammonite will close.
Titles include Pixar’s new movie Soul, which would’ve been at Cannes, Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland, which is set to premiere in Venice, Thomas Vinterberg’s Another Round, which was part of this year’s Cannes Label, Miranda July’s Kajillionaire, which debuted at Sundance, Bassam Tariq’s Mogul Mowgli, which was at Berlinale,...
A selection of screenings will take place at cinemas and others will take place in a virtual form for audiences across the UK. The films come from 40 countries. All screenings are geo-blocked to the UK, though festival talks will be available to experience for free around the world.
As previously announced, Steve McQueen’s Mangrove will open this year’s fest and Francis Lee’s Ammonite will close.
Titles include Pixar’s new movie Soul, which would’ve been at Cannes, Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland, which is set to premiere in Venice, Thomas Vinterberg’s Another Round, which was part of this year’s Cannes Label, Miranda July’s Kajillionaire, which debuted at Sundance, Bassam Tariq’s Mogul Mowgli, which was at Berlinale,...
- 9/8/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
The musical from the director of ‘Blindspotting’ was first seen at Sundance.
London-based production, finance and sales company Film Constellation has picked up world sales rights to musical feature Summertime.
Directed by Carlos López Estrada, whose credits include Blindspotting, the film received its world premiere at Sundance in January. FIlm Constellation will be introducing it to buyers at the virtual TIFF market next month and will host private digital screenings.
The slam poetry musical is set in Los Angeles during a heatwave and follows the lives of 25 young Angelinos as they intersect over the course of a single day. It was developed with 25 young poets,...
London-based production, finance and sales company Film Constellation has picked up world sales rights to musical feature Summertime.
Directed by Carlos López Estrada, whose credits include Blindspotting, the film received its world premiere at Sundance in January. FIlm Constellation will be introducing it to buyers at the virtual TIFF market next month and will host private digital screenings.
The slam poetry musical is set in Los Angeles during a heatwave and follows the lives of 25 young Angelinos as they intersect over the course of a single day. It was developed with 25 young poets,...
- 8/26/2020
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
London-based production, finance and sales company Film Constellation has come on board Cathy Brady’s debut feature “Wildfire,” which world premieres in the Discovery section at next month’s Toronto Film Festival.
The film centers on sisters Lauren and Kelly, an inseparable pair brought up in a small town by the Irish border. Their lives fell apart with the mysterious death of their mother. Left to pick up the pieces, Lauren is confronted with their dark past when Kelly returns home having been missing for a year. “An intense sisterhood reignited, Kelly’s desire to unearth their history is not welcomed by all, and the town is rife with rumors and malice that threaten to overwhelm them,” according to a statement from Film Constellation.
The film’s press and industry screening at Toronto is on Sept. 14 at 11 A.M. via digital access. The festival world premiere is at 9 P.M.
The film centers on sisters Lauren and Kelly, an inseparable pair brought up in a small town by the Irish border. Their lives fell apart with the mysterious death of their mother. Left to pick up the pieces, Lauren is confronted with their dark past when Kelly returns home having been missing for a year. “An intense sisterhood reignited, Kelly’s desire to unearth their history is not welcomed by all, and the town is rife with rumors and malice that threaten to overwhelm them,” according to a statement from Film Constellation.
The film’s press and industry screening at Toronto is on Sept. 14 at 11 A.M. via digital access. The festival world premiere is at 9 P.M.
- 8/25/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
The 45th edition of the Toronto Film Festival is still very much a go, although made up of a reduced programme. After announcing that Spike Lee’s filmed version of the Broadway-acclaimed David Byrne’s ‘American Utopia’ will open the festival the full line-up has now been released.
Taking place between September 10 – 19, the festival will see the first 5 days made up of physical screenings. The program will also be made up of drive-ins, digital screenings, virtual red carpets, press conferences, industry talks.
The highlights of this year’s festival will include ‘God’s Own Country’ helmer Francis Lee’s ‘Ammonite,’Chloe Zhao’s ‘Nomadland,’ Florian Zeller’s ‘The Father’ and Werner Herzog’s doco “Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds as well as films directed by Regina King, Viggo Mortensen and Halle Berry.
Also in news – Netflix release first look images from Ryan Murphy’s ‘Ratched’
See the full line-up below;
“180 Degree...
Taking place between September 10 – 19, the festival will see the first 5 days made up of physical screenings. The program will also be made up of drive-ins, digital screenings, virtual red carpets, press conferences, industry talks.
The highlights of this year’s festival will include ‘God’s Own Country’ helmer Francis Lee’s ‘Ammonite,’Chloe Zhao’s ‘Nomadland,’ Florian Zeller’s ‘The Father’ and Werner Herzog’s doco “Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds as well as films directed by Regina King, Viggo Mortensen and Halle Berry.
Also in news – Netflix release first look images from Ryan Murphy’s ‘Ratched’
See the full line-up below;
“180 Degree...
- 7/31/2020
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
As announced last month, the Toronto International Film Festival will look quite different this year in the era of Covid-19. Featuring a drastically reduced lineup, physical screenings for only the first half of the festivals, and more changes, the festival has now unveiled their complete feature film lineup.
Along with previously announced films like the opener, Spike Lee’s filmed version of David Byrne’s American Utopia, Francis Lee’s Ammonite, and Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland, the festival also includes directorial debuts by Halle Berry and Regina King as well as new work by Werner Herzog, Mira Nair, Reinaldo Marcus Green, Frederick Wiseman, and more.
“We began this year planning for a 45th Festival much like our previous editions,” said Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director and Co-Head of TIFF, “but along the way we had to rethink just about everything. This year’s lineup reflects that tumult. The names you already...
Along with previously announced films like the opener, Spike Lee’s filmed version of David Byrne’s American Utopia, Francis Lee’s Ammonite, and Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland, the festival also includes directorial debuts by Halle Berry and Regina King as well as new work by Werner Herzog, Mira Nair, Reinaldo Marcus Green, Frederick Wiseman, and more.
“We began this year planning for a 45th Festival much like our previous editions,” said Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director and Co-Head of TIFF, “but along the way we had to rethink just about everything. This year’s lineup reflects that tumult. The names you already...
- 7/30/2020
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Films include ’Ammonite’, ’Notturno’, ’New Order’ and ’Penguin Bloom’.
New work from Francis Lee, Werner Herzog, François Ozon, Gianfranco Rosi, Regina King and Mira Nair are among the line-up for the 45th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
As previously announced, Spike Lee’s David Byrne’s American Utopia will open this year’s edition, which runs from September 10-19.
The festival will close with Nair’s A Suitable Boy (pictured), a six-part TV drama that debuted on the BBC in the UK last Sunday (July 26). Netflix has online global rights, excluding North America and China.
Scroll down for full line-up...
New work from Francis Lee, Werner Herzog, François Ozon, Gianfranco Rosi, Regina King and Mira Nair are among the line-up for the 45th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
As previously announced, Spike Lee’s David Byrne’s American Utopia will open this year’s edition, which runs from September 10-19.
The festival will close with Nair’s A Suitable Boy (pictured), a six-part TV drama that debuted on the BBC in the UK last Sunday (July 26). Netflix has online global rights, excluding North America and China.
Scroll down for full line-up...
- 7/30/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
“Flight Risk” is taking off with Great Point, which has boarded sales on the U.S.-produced thriller. The film follows a group of strangers who wake up with amnesia on a bullet-ridden plane. Luis Prieto, who helmed the remake of Nicolas Winding Refn’s “Pusher,” is attached to direct.
The action thriller is being produced by L.A.-based Automatic Media’s Ray Haboush (“The Last House on the Left”) and Robert Aaronson (“Chocolate City”). Great Point co-founders Robert Halmi and Jim Reeve will exec produce.
The story follows the strangers as they wake up on the plane, which is running on autopilot. They have no idea who they are, how they got there or who they can trust. “I was immediately hooked by the brilliant concept at the heart of this project, and I’m excited by the possibilities for an amazing cinematic experience,” Prieto said.
Producers Aaronson...
The action thriller is being produced by L.A.-based Automatic Media’s Ray Haboush (“The Last House on the Left”) and Robert Aaronson (“Chocolate City”). Great Point co-founders Robert Halmi and Jim Reeve will exec produce.
The story follows the strangers as they wake up on the plane, which is running on autopilot. They have no idea who they are, how they got there or who they can trust. “I was immediately hooked by the brilliant concept at the heart of this project, and I’m excited by the possibilities for an amazing cinematic experience,” Prieto said.
Producers Aaronson...
- 5/17/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
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