Nowhere Boy to close London Film Festival (2009)
Story by Jack Foley
NOWHERE Boy, the highly anticipated debut feature from British artist Sam Taylor-Wood, has been announced as the closing film of the Times BFI 53rd London Film Festival .
The film, which is receiving its world premiere, is an imagining of John Lennon’s childhood.
It’s Liverpool 1955: a smart and troubled 15-year-old is hungry for experience. In a family full of secrets, two incredible women clash over John. Mimi, the buttoned-up aunt who raised him and Julia, the prodigal mother.
Yearning for a normal family, John escapes into rock n’ roll. His fledgling genius finds a kindred spirit in the teenage Paul McCartney. Just as John begins his new life, tragedy strikes. But a resilient young man finds his voice – and an icon explodes into the world.
Nowhere Boy is written by Matt Greenhalgh (Control) and stars newcomer Aaron Johnson (Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging) as John Lennon, Kristin Scott Thomas as Lennon’s Aunt Mimi, and Anne-Marie Duff as his mother Julia.
They are joined by Thomas Brodie Sangster playing the young Paul McCartney and newcomer Sam Bell as George Harrison alongside a strong supporting cast that includes David Morrissey and David Threlfall.
The film was produced by Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae for Ecosse Films and Kevin Loader, with cinematography from Seamus McGarvey.
Nowhere Boy is an Ecosse Films production in association with Film4, the UK Film Council’s Premiere Fund, NorthWest Vision and Media, Lip Sync Productions and Aver Media.
The script was developed with the support of the UK Film Council’s Development Fund and Icon Film Distribution will release the film in the UK on December 26, 2009. HanWay Films are selling international rights and The Weinstein Company have US rights.
Sandra Hebron, the Festival’s Artistic Director, commented: “We’re delighted to be closing our festival with the world premiere of this first feature by Sam Taylor Wood, who brings her customary sensitivity and visual flair to this story of the formative years of one of the UK’s cultural icons. Less a biopic and more a love-story, Nowhere Boy is as accomplished as it is moving, and will ensure the festival ends on a high note.”
On having her film invited to close the London Film Festival, Sam Taylor-Wood added: “For the past year I have lived and breathed this film. It’s been one of the most transforming experiences of my life.
“For Nowhere Boy to chosen to close the London Film Festival, in a city I grew up in and which continues to inspire me is truly amazing.”
The full programme for The Times BFI 53rd London Film Festival will be announced on Wednesday, September 9. The opening night film is the previously announced World Premiere of Fantastic Mr Fox
The Festival runs from October 14-29, 2009. Visit the website