Stars: Riz Ahmed, Billie Piper, James Floyd, Roshan Seth, Cush Jumbo | Written by Patrick Neate | Directed by Pete Travis
I could watch Riz Ahmed in almost anything, but there are limits, tested here by this deeply mediocre British mystery thriller. Adapted by Patrick Neate from his 2005 novel, City of Tiny Lights is helmed by Pete Travis, who in 2012 nearly rescued Judge Dredd from comic book movie hell. But while Travis transposes some of Dredd’s style, he cannot bring its boldness, humour or efficiency.
Ahmed plays Tommy Akhtar, a “snoop” who is so underground that even his job description is unclear. Basically, he’s a private detective. One day he’s visited by a working woman named Melody (Cush Jumbo). Her flatmate is missing. Tommy investigates and finds the body of a Pakistani businessman. It’s a discovery that will bring him into close contact with two blasts from his...
I could watch Riz Ahmed in almost anything, but there are limits, tested here by this deeply mediocre British mystery thriller. Adapted by Patrick Neate from his 2005 novel, City of Tiny Lights is helmed by Pete Travis, who in 2012 nearly rescued Judge Dredd from comic book movie hell. But while Travis transposes some of Dredd’s style, he cannot bring its boldness, humour or efficiency.
Ahmed plays Tommy Akhtar, a “snoop” who is so underground that even his job description is unclear. Basically, he’s a private detective. One day he’s visited by a working woman named Melody (Cush Jumbo). Her flatmate is missing. Tommy investigates and finds the body of a Pakistani businessman. It’s a discovery that will bring him into close contact with two blasts from his...
- 4/10/2017
- by Rupert Harvey
- Nerdly
Directed by Pete Travis (Dredd, Vantage Point), City Of Tiny Lights stars Riz Ahmed with Billie Piper, Cush Jumbo and Roshan Seth. The exciting cast also features James Floyd, Hannah Rae, Antonio Aakeel, Vincent Regan, Danny Webb, Branko Tomovic and Damson Idris. Set in West London, this gritty thriller is co-written by author Patrick Neate, and based on his novel of the same name. It is a unique portrait of contemporary London as a teeming multicultural metropolis where nothing is as it seems. City of Tiny Lights had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival followed by the UK premiere at the London Film Festival. It's out in UK cinemas now. Watch a new preview clip with Riz Ahmed and Cush Jumbo below:...
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- 4/10/2017
- Screen Anarchy
Simon Brew Apr 9, 2017
Director Pete Travis chats to us about City Of Tiny Lights, television, politics and Dred..
City Of Tiny Lights, starring Riz Ahmed and Billie Piper, is the latest film from director Pete Travis, known particularly in this parish for helming Dredd. We met up with him in London to chat about the movie, about politics, and about Dredd…
I read an interview for City Of Tiny Lights where you were quoted as saying you wouldn’t make the film unless Riz Ahmed did it, and that he was the first choice for the lead role of Tommy. I can’t tell you the number of people I interview who say something like that and…
… mostly they’re lying when they say that!
Well, quite possibly!
There’s a rule about casting I learned a long time ago. The right person for the role is the person who...
Director Pete Travis chats to us about City Of Tiny Lights, television, politics and Dred..
City Of Tiny Lights, starring Riz Ahmed and Billie Piper, is the latest film from director Pete Travis, known particularly in this parish for helming Dredd. We met up with him in London to chat about the movie, about politics, and about Dredd…
I read an interview for City Of Tiny Lights where you were quoted as saying you wouldn’t make the film unless Riz Ahmed did it, and that he was the first choice for the lead role of Tommy. I can’t tell you the number of people I interview who say something like that and…
… mostly they’re lying when they say that!
Well, quite possibly!
There’s a rule about casting I learned a long time ago. The right person for the role is the person who...
- 4/9/2017
- Den of Geek
Directed by Pete Travis (Dredd, Vantage Point), City Of Tiny Lights stars Riz Ahmed with Billie Piper, Cush Jumbo and Roshan Seth. The exciting cast also features James Floyd, Hannah Rae, Antonio Aakeel, Vincent Regan, Danny Webb, Branko Tomovic and Damson Idris. Set in West London, this gritty thriller is co-written by author Patrick Neate, and based on his novel of the same name. It is a unique portrait of contemporary London as a teeming multicultural metropolis where nothing is as it seems. City of Tiny Lights had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival followed by the UK premiere at the London Film Festival. Watch an exclusive Elle preview clip below of the movie which is released in UK cinemas today: ...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 4/7/2017
- Screen Anarchy
MaryAnn’s quick take… Doesn’t hit all the noir tropes so much as it wrings all the gloomy joy from them, and the mystery is underwhelming and unmysterious, but still: Riz Ahmed. I’m “biast” (pro): love Riz Ahmed and Billie Piper
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
I have not read the source material
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
He’s a down-on-his-luck private eye haunted by his past… which includes the femme fatale who just walked back into his life. He drinks too much. He philosophizes about his work — “I deal in the lies people tell and the truth they don’t” — via weary narration. He’s got a goofy, loyal, and unexpectedly competent unofficial sidekick. And his latest case comes via the hooker with a heart of gold who sashayed into the shabby room over a cab stand he calls his office.
I’m “biast” (con): nothing
I have not read the source material
(what is this about? see my critic’s minifesto)
He’s a down-on-his-luck private eye haunted by his past… which includes the femme fatale who just walked back into his life. He drinks too much. He philosophizes about his work — “I deal in the lies people tell and the truth they don’t” — via weary narration. He’s got a goofy, loyal, and unexpectedly competent unofficial sidekick. And his latest case comes via the hooker with a heart of gold who sashayed into the shabby room over a cab stand he calls his office.
- 4/6/2017
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
Directed by Pete Travis (Dredd, Vantage Point), the upcoming City Of Tiny Lights stars Riz Ahmed with Billie Piper, Cush Jumbo and Roshan Seth. The exciting cast also features James Floyd, Hannah Rae, Antonio Aakeel, Vincent Regan, Danny Webb, Branko Tomovic and Damson Idris. Set in West London, gritty thriller City Of Tiny Lights is co-written by author Patrick Neate, and based on his novel of the same name. It is a unique portrait of contemporary London as a teeming multicultural metropolis where nothing is as it seems. Meet Tommy Akhtar (Riz Ahmed), cricket fan, devoted son to an ailing father and deadbeat private eye. He’s got an office above a cab firm, a taste for cigarettes and bourbon, and a finely tuned moral compass that...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 4/4/2017
- Screen Anarchy
Directed by Pete Travis (Vantage Point, Dredd), the upcoming City Of Tiny Lights stars Riz Ahmed with Billie Piper, Cush Jumbo and Roshan Seth. The exciting cast also features James Floyd, Hannah Rae, Antonio Aakeel, Vincent Regan, Danny Webb, Branko Tomovic and Damson Idris. Set in West London, City Of Tiny Lights is co-written by author Patrick Neate, and based on his novel of the same name. It is a unique portrait of contemporary London as a teeming multicultural metropolis where nothing is as it seems. Meet Tommy Akhtar (Riz Ahmed), cricket fan, devoted son to an ailing father and deadbeat private eye. He’s got an office above a cab firm, a taste for cigarettes and bourbon, and a finely tuned moral compass that he keeps...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 3/28/2017
- Screen Anarchy
Set to release on April 7th, City of Tiny Lights starring Riz Ahmed and Billie Piper is a unique portrait of contemporary London as a teeming multicultural metropolis where nothing is as it seems.
Meet Tommy Akhtar (Riz Ahmed), cricket fan, devoted son to an ailing father and deadbeat private eye. He’s got an office above a cab firm, a taste for cigarettes and bourbon, and a finely tuned moral compass that he keeps hidden behind a sharp cynicism. When Tommy walks into his office one morning to find high-class prostitute Melody seeking his help, he’s launched into a story that plays as an utterly original modern noir. He’s drawn into a murder investigation and a dangerous criminal underworld where he will discover dark secrets from his own past
Check out the trailer for this exciting film!
And this cool new poster hot of the presses!
Set in West London,...
Meet Tommy Akhtar (Riz Ahmed), cricket fan, devoted son to an ailing father and deadbeat private eye. He’s got an office above a cab firm, a taste for cigarettes and bourbon, and a finely tuned moral compass that he keeps hidden behind a sharp cynicism. When Tommy walks into his office one morning to find high-class prostitute Melody seeking his help, he’s launched into a story that plays as an utterly original modern noir. He’s drawn into a murder investigation and a dangerous criminal underworld where he will discover dark secrets from his own past
Check out the trailer for this exciting film!
And this cool new poster hot of the presses!
Set in West London,...
- 3/9/2017
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
A first poster has just been released for the upcoming City Of Tiny Lights. Directed by Pete Travis (Vantage Point, Dredd), it stars Riz Ahmed with Billie Piper, Cush Jumbo and Roshan Seth. The exciting cast also features James Floyd, Hannah Rae, Antonio Aakeel, Vincent Regan, Danny Webb, Branko Tomovic and Damson Idris. Ahead of its' general release In UK Cinemas on April 7, the British Urban Film Festival (in association with BBC Films and Icon Film Distribution) present the early pre-release screening of this gripping thriller. Set in West London, City Of Tiny Lights is co-written by author Patrick Neate, and based on his novel of the same name. It is a unique portrait of contemporary London as a teeming multicultural metropolis where nothing is as it...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 3/8/2017
- Screen Anarchy
Directed by Pete Travis (Vantage Point, Dredd), City Of Tiny Lights stars Riz Ahmed with Billie Piper, Cush Jumbo and Roshan Seth. The exciting cast also features James Floyd, Hannah Rae, Antonio Aakeel, Vincent Regan, Danny Webb, Branko Tomovic and Damson Idris. Ahead of its' general release In UK Cinemas on April 7, the British Urban Film Festival (in association with BBC Films and Icon Film Distribution) present the early pre-release screening of this gripping thriller. Set in West London, City Of Tiny Lights is co-written by author Patrick Neate, and based on his novel of the same name. It is a unique portrait of contemporary London as a teeming multicultural metropolis where nothing is as it seems. Meet Tommy Akhtar (Riz Ahmed), cricket fan, devoted son...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 3/4/2017
- Screen Anarchy
Riz Ahmed first made waves in Michael Winterbottom’s “The Road to Guantanamo,” but his Hollywood claim to fame was in last year’s HBO crime drama “The Night Of,” which earned him a Golden Globe and SAG nomination.
Now, after starring in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” Ahmed is returning to theaters in “City of Tiny Lights,” directed by “Dredd” helmer Pete Travis. Set in West London, the story is co-written by Patrick Neate and is based on his novel of the same name. Described as a “unique portrait of contemporary London as a teeming multicultural metropolis where nothing is as it seems,” it follows the actor as Tommy Akhtar, a London detective who goes searching for a missing girl after a high-class prostitute seeks his help.
The modern noir also co-stars “Penny Dreadful” actress Billie Piper as Shelley, Tommy’s long-lost love, as well as Cush Jumbo and Roshan Seth.
Now, after starring in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” Ahmed is returning to theaters in “City of Tiny Lights,” directed by “Dredd” helmer Pete Travis. Set in West London, the story is co-written by Patrick Neate and is based on his novel of the same name. Described as a “unique portrait of contemporary London as a teeming multicultural metropolis where nothing is as it seems,” it follows the actor as Tommy Akhtar, a London detective who goes searching for a missing girl after a high-class prostitute seeks his help.
The modern noir also co-stars “Penny Dreadful” actress Billie Piper as Shelley, Tommy’s long-lost love, as well as Cush Jumbo and Roshan Seth.
- 1/19/2017
- by Liz Calvario
- Indiewire
The upcoming British drama City Of Tiny Lights has launched a first trailer. Directed by Pete Travis (Vantage Point, Dredd), it stars Riz Ahmed with Billie Piper, Cush Jumbo and Roshan Seth. The exciting cast also features James Floyd, Hannah Rae, Antonio Aakeel, Vincent Regan, Danny Webb, Branko Tomovic and Damson Idris. Set in West London, City Of Tiny Lights is co-written by author Patrick Neate, and based on his novel of the same name. It is a unique portrait of contemporary London as a teeming multicultural metropolis where nothing is as it seems. Meet Tommy Akhtar (Riz Ahmed), cricket fan, devoted son to an ailing father and deadbeat private eye. He’s got an office above a cab firm, a taste for cigarettes and bourbon, and a...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 1/19/2017
- Screen Anarchy
After a major last year with The Night Of, Rogue One, and Jason Bourne this year, Riz Ahmed also brought a few films to Tiff. One of them was City of Tiny Lights, which comes from Dredd‘s Pete Travis, and follows Ahmed as a London detective who gets entangled in a missing-girl case as a complex web of lies bubble up. With the film picked up for U.K. distribution this April, the first neon-soaked trailer has now arrived.
We said in our review, “Ahmed shines in the lead role: something this charismatic actor has deserved since the wonderfully funny Four Lions. He embodies the hard-edged street-wise detective well without erasing the sense of empathy his characters always possess. We see the struggle endured between those worlds and know how Shelley’s leaving widened the void in his soul that Stuart’s death tore open. People like him from Mrs.
We said in our review, “Ahmed shines in the lead role: something this charismatic actor has deserved since the wonderfully funny Four Lions. He embodies the hard-edged street-wise detective well without erasing the sense of empathy his characters always possess. We see the struggle endured between those worlds and know how Shelley’s leaving widened the void in his soul that Stuart’s death tore open. People like him from Mrs.
- 1/19/2017
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
City of Tiny Lights is a noir inspired London thriller directed by Pete Travis, based on the novel by Patrick Neate which stars Riz Ahmed (currently to be seen on Netflix starring in the much-acclaimed The Night of), Cush Jumbo, and Billie Piper.
As the film moves through present day multicultural London, it also cuts back to Tommy's youth in 1997, telling the story of his friendship with a lad called Lovely (Antonio Aakeel), his mate Stuart (George Sargeant) and his growing love for Stuart's girlfriend, Shelley (Hannah Rae).
The filmmakers spent almost five months searching for the youngsters, cast by Celestia Fox. Beyond conventional casting methods they trawled youth clubs, theatre's and schools in search for the perfect young ensemble.
Playing the younger Riz Ahmed is newcomer Reiss Kershi-Hussain (represented by Shepherd Management) who had no previous acting experience before being cast as the impressionable young Tommy.
18 Year old Hannah Rae...
As the film moves through present day multicultural London, it also cuts back to Tommy's youth in 1997, telling the story of his friendship with a lad called Lovely (Antonio Aakeel), his mate Stuart (George Sargeant) and his growing love for Stuart's girlfriend, Shelley (Hannah Rae).
The filmmakers spent almost five months searching for the youngsters, cast by Celestia Fox. Beyond conventional casting methods they trawled youth clubs, theatre's and schools in search for the perfect young ensemble.
Playing the younger Riz Ahmed is newcomer Reiss Kershi-Hussain (represented by Shepherd Management) who had no previous acting experience before being cast as the impressionable young Tommy.
18 Year old Hannah Rae...
- 9/14/2016
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
Small-time private detective Tommy Akhtar (Riz Ahmed) has all the swagger of a hard-boiled snoop: leather jacket on his shoulders and cigarette in his mouth, leaning against London architecture in the darkened night. His office resides above some shops, he makes friendly with local convenience store owner Mrs. Elbaz (Myriam Acharki), and asks new clients where they found him because he’s not advertising in the paper. But while he’s good at his work and enjoys the struggle if only to get out of his father’s (Roshan Seth‘s Farzad) house when the old man starts using cricket metaphors to explain life, Tommy has yet to completely run away from his past. It is the “googly ball” of his life, a blind spot that’s never been more apparent until now.
Based on his novel of the same name, screenwriter Patrick Neate‘s City of Tiny Lights plays...
Based on his novel of the same name, screenwriter Patrick Neate‘s City of Tiny Lights plays...
- 9/12/2016
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
If you didn’t see his break-out role in one of the century’s best comedies, Four Lions, then we imagine Riz Ahmed first landed on your radar as the doomed assistant to Jake Gyllenhaal in Nightcrawler. Along with his high-profile performances in The Night Of, Rogue One, and Jason Bourne this year, one of the two Tiff films he has is the starring vehicle City of Tiny Lights, as noted in our fall festival preview.
Directed by Dredd‘s Pete Travis, it follows Ahmed as a London detective who gets entangled in a missing-girl case as a complex web of lies bubble up. We now have the first clip thanks to THR, which shows Ahmed on the case as he visits his ex-girlfriend at a local bar. Check out the clip below for the film also starring Cush Jumbo, James Floyd, Billie Piper, and Roshan Seth.
Tiff Synopsis:
Later this year,...
Directed by Dredd‘s Pete Travis, it follows Ahmed as a London detective who gets entangled in a missing-girl case as a complex web of lies bubble up. We now have the first clip thanks to THR, which shows Ahmed on the case as he visits his ex-girlfriend at a local bar. Check out the clip below for the film also starring Cush Jumbo, James Floyd, Billie Piper, and Roshan Seth.
Tiff Synopsis:
Later this year,...
- 8/31/2016
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
London-set film noir thriller City Of Tiny Lights, written by Patrick Neate based on his novel, will begin principal photography April 27. Directed by Pete Travis (Vantage Point, Endgame, Dredd), the movie stars Riz Ahmed (Nightcrawler) who plays down at heel gumshoe Tommy Akhtar, and Billie Piper (Penny Dreadful, Secret Diary of a Call Girl) plays Shelley, his long lost love. Ensemble cast includes Cush Jumbo (Josephine And I, The Inbetweeners), James Floyd (My Brother T…...
- 4/22/2015
- Deadline TV
London-set film noir thriller City Of Tiny Lights, written by Patrick Neate based on his novel, will begin principal photography April 27. Directed by Pete Travis (Vantage Point, Endgame, Dredd), the movie stars Riz Ahmed (Nightcrawler) who plays down at heel gumshoe Tommy Akhtar, and Billie Piper (Penny Dreadful, Secret Diary of a Call Girl) plays Shelley, his long lost love. Ensemble cast includes Cush Jumbo (Josephine And I, The Inbetweeners), James Floyd (My Brother T…...
- 4/22/2015
- Deadline
British actress Cush Jumbo, actress of stage and screen, who played the lead role in an all-female production of "Julius Caesar" at London's Donmar Warehouse theatre a couple of years ago, has booked a co-starring role in "City of Tiny Lights," a London-set film noir written by Patrick Neate, based on his novel of the same name, and to be directed by Pete Travis ("Vantage Point," "Dredd"), and produced by Ado Yoshizaki-Cassuto and Rebecca O’Brien. With principal photography set to begin on April 27, for a 6-week shoot in London, Jumbo joins a cast led by Riz Ahmed ("Nightcrawler") who plays...
- 4/21/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Billie Piper has been cast in City of Tiny Lights.
Piper will play Shelley, the love interest of Riz Ahmed's detective character Tommy Akhtar.
City of Tiny Lights follows Tommy, who finds himself drawn into a sinister, dangerous world of religious fanaticism and political intrigue after discovering the body of a Pakistani businessman.
Cush Jumbo, James Floyd and Roshan Seth will also star in the film.
Patrick Neate, author of the novel the project is based on, has penned the script. Pete Travis is on board to direct.
City of Tiny Lights begins production next Monday (April 27) in London.
Piper stars as Brona Croft in Penny Dreadful, and is known for playing Rose Tyler in Doctor Who.
Piper will play Shelley, the love interest of Riz Ahmed's detective character Tommy Akhtar.
City of Tiny Lights follows Tommy, who finds himself drawn into a sinister, dangerous world of religious fanaticism and political intrigue after discovering the body of a Pakistani businessman.
Cush Jumbo, James Floyd and Roshan Seth will also star in the film.
Patrick Neate, author of the novel the project is based on, has penned the script. Pete Travis is on board to direct.
City of Tiny Lights begins production next Monday (April 27) in London.
Piper stars as Brona Croft in Penny Dreadful, and is known for playing Rose Tyler in Doctor Who.
- 4/21/2015
- Digital Spy
Cast of London-set noir thriller includes Screen Stars of Tomorrow Cush Jumbo and James Floyd.
City of Tiny Lights, a London-set film noir is to begin principal photography on April 27. The film will shoot for six weeks in London and will be released in 2016.
Written by Patrick Neate, based on his novel of the same name, the film will be directed by Pete Travis (Vantage Point, Dredd) and produced by Ado Yoshizaki-Cassuto and Rebecca O’Brien.
The cast is led by Riz Ahmed (Nightcrawler) who plays private eye Tommy Akhtar, and Billie Piper (Penny Dreadful) as Shelley, his long lost love.
The ensemble includes Roshan Seth (Indian Summers) and Screen Stars of Tomorrow Cush Jumbo, who recently landed a recurring role on Us drama The Good Wife,and James Floyd (My Brother the Devil).
The film centres on deadbeat private eye Tommy Akhtar (Ahmed) who walks into his office to find high-class prostitute Melody (Jumbo) seeking his help...
City of Tiny Lights, a London-set film noir is to begin principal photography on April 27. The film will shoot for six weeks in London and will be released in 2016.
Written by Patrick Neate, based on his novel of the same name, the film will be directed by Pete Travis (Vantage Point, Dredd) and produced by Ado Yoshizaki-Cassuto and Rebecca O’Brien.
The cast is led by Riz Ahmed (Nightcrawler) who plays private eye Tommy Akhtar, and Billie Piper (Penny Dreadful) as Shelley, his long lost love.
The ensemble includes Roshan Seth (Indian Summers) and Screen Stars of Tomorrow Cush Jumbo, who recently landed a recurring role on Us drama The Good Wife,and James Floyd (My Brother the Devil).
The film centres on deadbeat private eye Tommy Akhtar (Ahmed) who walks into his office to find high-class prostitute Melody (Jumbo) seeking his help...
- 4/21/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Ricky Gervais, James Marsh, Armando Iannucci films on slate.
BBC Films has revealed details of its upcoming slate, which includes new projects from Ricky Gervais, Armando Iannucci, James Marsh and Ritesh Batra.
The slate of projects was revealed during an event in London to celebrate the 25th birthday of BBC Films, whose first first theatrical production, Truly Madly Deeply, directed by Anthony Minghella, was released in 1990.
As previously reported, Ritesh Batra (The Lunchbox) will direct an adaptation of Julian Barnes’ Man Booker Prize winning novel The Sense of an Ending.
The adaptation is the debut screenplay of award-winning playwright Nick Payne and tells the story of Tony Webster, whose comfortable world is rocked to its foundations by the emergence of an explosive letter from his careless youth.
David Thompson will produce for Origin Pictures.
Rafe Spall is confirmed for Swallows and Amazons, a reinvention of Arthur Ransome’s classic. Written by Andrea Gibb, the film will...
BBC Films has revealed details of its upcoming slate, which includes new projects from Ricky Gervais, Armando Iannucci, James Marsh and Ritesh Batra.
The slate of projects was revealed during an event in London to celebrate the 25th birthday of BBC Films, whose first first theatrical production, Truly Madly Deeply, directed by Anthony Minghella, was released in 1990.
As previously reported, Ritesh Batra (The Lunchbox) will direct an adaptation of Julian Barnes’ Man Booker Prize winning novel The Sense of an Ending.
The adaptation is the debut screenplay of award-winning playwright Nick Payne and tells the story of Tony Webster, whose comfortable world is rocked to its foundations by the emergence of an explosive letter from his careless youth.
David Thompson will produce for Origin Pictures.
Rafe Spall is confirmed for Swallows and Amazons, a reinvention of Arthur Ransome’s classic. Written by Andrea Gibb, the film will...
- 3/25/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Before closing Cannes Directors' Fortnight with Matthew Warchus' "Pride," about gay activism in the time of Margaret Thatcher and starring Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton, BBC Films has unveiled its upcoming roster of star-studded films. BBC Films will continue their collaboration with playwright, screenwriter, actor and author Alan Bennett on the adaptation of his celebrated memoir "The Lady in the Van." This will reunite BBC Films with Bennett, Oscar-nominated in 1995 for "The Madness of King George," for the first time as a writer since "History Boys" in 2006. Starring Alex Jennings (as Bennett), "Lady" is based on his experiences with Miss Shepherd (Maggie Smith), a vagrant who lived in his driveway for 15 years, and it's directed by Nicholas Hytner. Director Pete Travis' "City of Tiny Lights" will also be produced by BBC Films. Starring Riz Ahmed and Roshan Seth, and written by Patrick Neate from his own novel, the...
- 5/9/2014
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Thompson on Hollywood
New feature, starring Maggie Smith, will reunite the team behind The History Boys. BBC Films to also produce crime drama City of Tiny Lights starring Riz Ahmed.
BBC Films has unveiled its upcoming slate ahead of Cannes, which highlights its ongoing strategy to develop new talent and bolster existing relationships with filmmakers.
The slate is headlined by The Lady In The Van, an adaptation of the memoir of playwright, screenwriter, actor and author Alan Bennett.
Reuniting the team behind The History Boys, BBC Films and Bennett will be joined by Nicholas Hytner who will direct. Kevin Loader, Damian Jones and Nicholas Hytner will produce.
Starring Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings as Bennett, The Lady In The Van is based on Bennett’s experiences with Miss Shepherd, a vagrant who parked her clapped out old dormobile in his drive and stayed for 15 years.
BBC Films also revealed that they will be producing City of Tiny Lights with Ado Yoshizaki Cassuto...
BBC Films has unveiled its upcoming slate ahead of Cannes, which highlights its ongoing strategy to develop new talent and bolster existing relationships with filmmakers.
The slate is headlined by The Lady In The Van, an adaptation of the memoir of playwright, screenwriter, actor and author Alan Bennett.
Reuniting the team behind The History Boys, BBC Films and Bennett will be joined by Nicholas Hytner who will direct. Kevin Loader, Damian Jones and Nicholas Hytner will produce.
Starring Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings as Bennett, The Lady In The Van is based on Bennett’s experiences with Miss Shepherd, a vagrant who parked her clapped out old dormobile in his drive and stayed for 15 years.
BBC Films also revealed that they will be producing City of Tiny Lights with Ado Yoshizaki Cassuto...
- 5/9/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
The favela in City of God is so well rendered it becomes a character – cruel, alluring, inescapable. But most of all, it is intensely real
• Read more from our Why I Love ... series
City of God is an exhilarating, fast-paced action film set in the oppressive confines of a favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I love the way the movie depicts the slum because it compels viewers not just to confront the desperation, poverty and violence of life there, but to enter that nightmarish world so utterly for the duration of the film that leaving it at the end is a relief, and yet a wrench, making it impossible to forget.
Directed by Fernando Meirelles, the 2002 film portrays life in the City of God, a favela known by the same name for over three decades, starting in the 1960s when it was a new housing project and its main...
• Read more from our Why I Love ... series
City of God is an exhilarating, fast-paced action film set in the oppressive confines of a favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I love the way the movie depicts the slum because it compels viewers not just to confront the desperation, poverty and violence of life there, but to enter that nightmarish world so utterly for the duration of the film that leaving it at the end is a relief, and yet a wrench, making it impossible to forget.
Directed by Fernando Meirelles, the 2002 film portrays life in the City of God, a favela known by the same name for over three decades, starting in the 1960s when it was a new housing project and its main...
- 9/25/2013
- by Jo Griffin
- The Guardian - Film News
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