Projects in categories: Fiction

Synopsis

Focusing on the now-legendary 1953 tour which the ageing comedy duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy embarked on in the twilight years of their fame. Once the world’s favourite double act, but now diminished by age, and their golden era a distant memory, Laurel & Hardy set out on a variety hall tour of Britain in 1953. As they crisscross the country, attendances are disappointingly low. But they’ve always been able to make each other laugh, and as the charm and beauty of their performances shines through, their audiences laugh too, and they re-connect with legions of adoring fans, old and new. The tour becomes a hit, but Laurel & Hardy can’t quite shake the spectre of Stan and Ollie’s past; and long buried ghosts, coupled with Oliver’s failing health, start to threaten their precious partnership. A portrait of the most tender and poignant of creative marriages begins to unfold, as the duo, aware that they may be approaching their swan song, try to rediscover just how much they mean to each other. Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2018 - Closing Night Gala

Synopsis

A troubled foster kid uses his scathing word skills to become an unlikely rap battle champion. But when he doorsteps his biological mother after ten years in care, he is forced to face his toughest opponent yet: his past. '8 Mile' meets 'Boy A', 'VS.' is an inspirational rites of passage drama set in the exciting UK rap battling scene. Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2018 - Create Strand - World premiere

Synopsis

Tina, a busy mother of three, can barely find any time for herself. With her husband on nightshifts, her eldest daughter being bullied at school, her parents’ relationship on the rocks, not to mention juggling her own full-time job, she feels life overwhelming her. But things are about to get even more complicated when the reappearance of a former school rival forces Tina to face up to some difficult memories. Determined to regain control, Tina steps into the boxing ring and discovers how to fight for herself. The ever-charming Hynes proves herself as adept behind the camera as she is in front of it, crafting an effortlessly warm and witty family drama that proves we all have a lot to learn about ourselves, no matter our age. (LFF brochure) Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2018 - Journey Strand - World premiere

Synopsis

A playful interview with the uncredited female creator of the Doctor Who theme music; her electronic sounds and flamboyant personality were way ahead of their time. An unconventional portrait of an unconventional British electronic music pioneer, exploring the idea that this extraordinary composer lived outside of time and space as other people experience it. Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2018 - Create Strand - World premiere

Synopsis

Over the course of a night out in a queer club, Raf struggles to find his place among the crowd until he stops trying to force the narrative and just lets himself go with the music. Official Selection Berlinale 2019 - Berlinale Shorts and Generation 14plus - European premiere

Synopsis

The dynamics of two dangerously charged teacher-pupil relationships are explored as their story unfolds over two weekends in the faded grandeur of seaside resort of Scarborough. Adapted from Fiona Evans’ award-winning play.

Synopsis

The year is 1905. Thomas Richardson travels to a remote island to rescue his sister after she’s kidnapped by a mysterious religious cult who are demanding a ransom for her safe return. It soon becomes clear that the cult will regret the day it baited this man, as he digs deeper and deeper into the secrets and lies upon which the commune is built.

Synopsis

Alan is a stylish tailor with moves as sharp as his suits. He has spent years searching tirelessly for his missing son Michael who stormed out over a game of Scrabble. With a body to identify and his family torn apart, Alan must repair the relationship with his youngest son Peter and solve the mystery of an online player who he thinks could be Michael, so he can finally move on and reunite his family. Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2018 - Laugh Strand - World premiere

Synopsis

A modern day romance set on the streets of Camden, London’s historical musical hotbed. Meet Simone, a dedicated single mother on an unlikely night on the town who is charmed by a handsome yet troubled stranger, unravelling old and new feelings. An exploration of love, life and change, the film is a love letter to what defines London today. Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2018 - Special Presentation - World premiere

Synopsis

A comedy about being weird and struggling for a connection. The film opens as Benjamin, a rising star filmmaker, is on the brink of premiering his difficult second film ’No Self' when Billie, his hard drinking publicist, introduces him to a mesmeric French musician called Noah. Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2018 - Laugh Strand - World premiere

Synopsis

Colin rents a lavish country manor for his extended family to celebrate New Year. He’s the centre of attention until his estranged brother David unexpectedly arrives, throwing the family dynamic far off orbit. Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2018 - Official Competition - World premiere

Synopsis

Following a day in the life of young Grime MCs The Block. On the morning of their college showcase, their frontman MC Slicker falls ill with the mumps. Just when all hope is lost, their prayers are answered in the form of the most unlikely of heroes. Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2018 - Journey Strand - World premiere