Ben Taylor’s “Joy” to Premiere at 68th BFI London Film Festival as Cunard Gala
The 68th BFI London Film Festival, in partnership with American Express, has announced that this year’s Cunard Gala will feature the world premiere of the film "Joy." Directed by Ben Taylor, the premiere is scheduled for October 15, 2024, at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London. The event will be graced by the director himself and cast members Thomasin McKenzie, James Norton, and Bill Nighy.
"Joy" tells the compelling true story of the birth of Louise Joy Brown in 1978, the world’s first ‘test-tube baby.’ The film, set in the late 1970s, highlights the efforts of Jean Purdy (played by Thomasin McKenzie), a young nurse and embryologist, who collaborated with scientist Robert Edwards (James Norton) and surgeon Patrick Steptoe (Bill Nighy). Together, they pioneered in vitro fertilisation (IVF), overcoming significant challenges and opposition to bring about a medical breakthrough that would change the lives of millions.
Ben Taylor expressed his excitement about the film’s premiere, stating, "I am truly honoured that my debut film, Joy, will receive its world premiere at this year’s BFI London Film Festival. This is a far too little-known story of British scientific achievement, and it feels perfect to celebrate these three maverick pioneers – and their world-changing innovation of IVF – here at home."
BFI London Film Festival Director, Kristy Matheson, also commented on the selection of "Joy" for the prestigious Cunard Gala, saying, "We’re honoured to present the world premiere of Joy. It’s a beautifully made film with terrific performances throughout, and we’ve no doubt that audiences will be as moved as we were by this inspiring true story."
In addition to the London screening, "Joy" will be shown simultaneously at nine partner venues across the UK. The film will be released in select cinemas across the UK and Ireland starting November 15, 2024, before launching globally on Netflix on November 22, 2024.
The BFI London Film Festival, now in its 68th edition, will take place from October 9 to October 20, 2024. Key venues include the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, BFI Southbank, and the BFI IMAX. The full festival programme is set to be unveiled on September 4, 2024, with tickets going on sale from September 17, 2024.