Film enthusiasts in Birmingham and the West Midlands can head over to MAC Birmingham on Friday 9 November, 6.00pm to see the modern day romance Been So Long and hear from the director, producers and music director. Fresh from its world première at the BFI London Film Festival, Been So Long is enjoying an exclusive 11-cinema event tour as part of Birds’ Eye View’s Reclaim The Frame programme; playing just 10 cities/11 cinema dates UK-wide and kicking-off in Black History Month, the tour commences on Oct 22nd and will feature Q&As with the filmmakers and actors, including Michaela Coel and Arinzé Kene.
In Birmingham on 9 November director Tinge Krishnan, producers Nadine Marsh-Edwards & Amanda Jenks and music director Arthur Darvill will be on hand for a post screening discussion. If you’d like to apply for one of the free tickets you can do so here, however you’ll need to bring someone who has paid for a ticket in order to redeem yours – this will be checked when you pick up your ticket on the night of the event. Your paid guest is also entitled to a discounted ticket for the screening, the discount code is RTFGuest (only available when booking in advance online, by phone or at the box office).
Adapted from Ché Walker’s hit stage play and retaining Arthur Darvill’s original songs, Been So Long is a contemporary musical set on the streets of London’s Camden Town. Krishnan shoots the streets bathed in neon and enriched with romantic possibilities. BAFTA® winner Michaela Coel lights up the big screen as dedicated and whip-smart single mum Simone whose encounter with the confident yet secretive lothario Raymond, played by The Pass star Arinzé Kene (reprising his role from the Young Vic theatre production, currently blazing a trail in his one-man hit show MISTY), has her head spinning.
This charismatic pair lead an all-singing and dancing ensemble populated by a wealth of homegrown talent. Ronke Adekoluejo steals scenes as Simone’s fearless best friend Yvonne, while the volatile Gil (George MacKay) has a score to settle at the bar owned by Barney (Luke Norris). Other faces to note include Joe Dempsie (Game of Thrones) and Arsher Ali (The Ritual), with the eclectic soundtrack adding a soulful personality of its own.
Birds’ Eye View is personally hosting each event – director Mia Bays and curator/producer of Reclaim The Frame Jo Duncombe will be on hand all night. This project is funded by the BFI, awarding funds from the National Lottery. The film launches globally on Netflix on 26 October and fans can follow the action and spread the word via the dedicated Facebook Group.