Their Finest – a wartime romantic comedy filmed extensively in Wales – gets the red carpet treatment at its Welsh premiere
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Economy Secretary Ken Skates will welcome guests to the event, which will be attended by actor Bill Nighy who will join the film’s producer Amanda Posey, screenwriter Gaby Chiappe and Lissa Evans, author of the original book ‘Their Finest Hour and a Half’, in conversation with Owen Sheers following the screening.
The film was funded by the Welsh Government’s Media Investment Budget alongside BBC Films and Pinewood Group, with Pinewood Pictures a sponsor of the Welsh Premiere. Wales Screen, part of the Welsh Government’s creative industries team, played a key role in finding the perfect locations and hosted numerous recces before filming began.
The locations in south west Wales feature Swansea’s Guildhall – which doubles as the Ministry of Information and Whitehall - alongside a number of locations in Pembrokeshire including Trecwn Valley, Freshwater West, Porthgain Harbour, Haverfordwest’s Palace Cinema and the Cresselly Arms in Cresswell Quay.
Economy Secretary Ken Skates said:
“Their Finest is a great example of the widespread benefits that TV and film production can bring to Wales – providing work and experience for crews, sustaining a range of specialist support businesses, boosting the hospitality sector and highlighting the expertise we have within Wales.
“Film and TV production is one of our priority sectors and I am particularly pleased that the extensive use of locations around Wales is playing a key role in supporting regional economies and jobs while also providing an invaluable promotion for our tourism industry.”
Their Finest opens in cinemas across the UK on 21 April and sees director Lone Scherfig reunite with producer Amanda Posey (An Education) and collaborate for the first time with award-winning producer Stephen Woolley.
The film follows the misadventures of a British film crew struggling to make a patriotic film to boost morale during the London Blitz in World War II. Alongside lead Gemma Arterton, the cast members include Sam Claflin as her fellow fellow screenwriter and Bill Nighy as a fading matinee idol who reluctantly joins their production in a supporting role. Richard E Grant, Rachael Stirling, Jeremy Irons and Helen McCrory round out the cast.
Hannah Raybould, Director of BAFTA Cymru said:
“We are thrilled to host this event to celebrate a film which was shot extensively in Wales with Welsh crew and showcases our stunning Welsh locations alongside such a star-studded cast. The event promises to be a special highlight in our events programme and we’re delighted to offer our members the chance to be among the first to see the film.”
The evening includes a networking reception for guests that will include members of the Creative Industry Advisory Panel, broadcasters, production companies from Wales and London, facility companies, BAFTA members and Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama MA students.