16/06/2016 - Bruno Ganz, Kristin Scott Thomas, Timothy Spall, Cillian Murphy part of ensemble cast

British writer/director Sally Potter has commenced principal photography at London locations on The Party [+see also:
film review
trailer
Q&A: Sally Potter
film profile], described by the production as a comedy wrapped in a tragedy that starts as a celebration and ends with blood on the floor. The ensemble cast includes veteran Swiss actor Bruno Ganz and seasoned US actress Patricia Clarkson, alongside Kristin Scott Thomas (last seen in Suite Française [+see also:
trailer
making of
film profile]), Timothy Spall (fresh off his award-winning turn in Mr. Turner [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Mike Leigh
film profile]), Cillian Murphy (who will also be seen this year in Ben Wheatley’s Free Fire [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile]) and US actress Cherry Jones.

The Party is Potter’s eighth feature. After bowing with shorts, a stint in television, a documentary and two features, she shot to global prominence in 1992 with Virginia Woolf adaptation Orlando. The film won the Golden Ciak for best film, the Elvira Notari Prize and the OCIC Award at Venice; won best actress for Tilda Swinton, the FIPRESCI Prize, the Golden Alexander and Special Artistic Achievement at Thessaloniki; best make-up at the BAFTAs; and Young European Film of the Year at the European Film Awards. Potter’s The Tango Lesson (1997) won best film at Mar del Plata; and Ginger & Rosa [+see also:
trailer
film profile] (2012) won an International Jury special mention at Tallinn, best actress for Elle Fanning at Valladolid and best ensemble at the Women Film Critics Circle Awards. 

The film is financed by Great Point Media (UK) and produced by Adventure Pictures, Potter’s production company with her long-term producer Christopher Sheppard together with Kurban Kassam (20,000 Days on Earth [+see also:
trailer
film profile]).

Jim Reeve, executive producer for Great Point Media, said, “We are delighted to have the chance to work with Sally on this film. With such an accomplished and innovative director and a stellar cast, we are very excited to be bringing the film to the global market.”