BAFTA award-winner Mike Leigh’s latest film Happy-Go-Lucky is to receive a gala preview in Cornwall on April 16th. Cornwall Film Festival and Penwith Film Society are co-hosting the event which will be held at the Savoy Cinema, Penzance. Producer Simon Channing Williams will introduce the film and hold a Q&A session after the screening. Audiences will also have the opportunity to admire Simon’s collection of awards from his work on such films as The Constant Gardener and Secrets & Lies.
The film, which has already picked up a Silver Bear for lead actress Sally Hawkins at the Berlin International Film Festival, marks a departure for the award winning writer/director. Leigh, whose most recent work includes the Oscar-nominated, BAFTA winning Vera Drake, has made an upbeat film which Time Out has described as “light, smart and illuminating”. It examines modern London life through the eyes of cheery primary school teacher Poppy, creating a poignant but ultimately joyful comedy.
Cornwall Film Festival Chair Denzil Monk is a Mike Leigh fan and is looking forward to seeing his latest offering. “Leigh is the kind of filmmaker who always sparks controversy. Whether he’s writing about a woman carrying out backstreet abortions or a quirky teacher learning the flamenco, this master storyteller conjures characters and worlds with an integrity and meaning that is lacking in so many other films which populate our screens.”
Happy-Go-Lucky is a far cry from Leigh’s usual gritty dramas. Poppy is a genuinely positive character who, despite the issues that affect the important people in her life, maintains her cheery disposition and her infectious smile rarely leaves her face. Some incredulous critics have even suggested that the quirky drama is a statement; “a patronising post-ironic joke” or “a prank at the expense of the audience”.
“We’re really excited to have secured a preview of such a hotly anticipated film,” commented Cornwall Film Festival Director, Laura Hardman. “It’s a great chance for film-lovers in Cornwall to see what promises to be a truly brilliant film in advance of the general release.”
Happy-Go-Lucky, 7pm, 16th April, Savoy Cinema Penzance. Tickets are £7, or £4.50 for members of Penwith Film Society, and are available from the Savoy on 01736 363330. For more information please email info@cornwallfilmfestival.com.
22.03.2008 | Editor's blog
Cat. : BAFTA BAFTA Award British films CDATA Cinema of the United Kingdom Cornwall Cornwall Film Entertainment Entertainment Film Happy-Go-Lucky Laura Hardman Local government in England London Mike Leigh Mike Leigh Penwith Penzance Sally Hawkins Sally Hawkins Simon Channing Simon Channing Williams the Berlin International Film Festival the Oscar Vera Drake