This year's Cunard Gala for the 68th BFI London Film Festival will open with the world premiere of Joy, starring Bill Nighy, James Norton and Thomasin McKenzie.
The cast of “Joy,” a film that tells the true story of the world's first “test-tube baby,” born in 1978, will also be in attendance, LFF announced.
The story is told from the perspective of Jean Purdy (Mackenzie), a young nurse and embryologist who teams up with scientist Robert Edwards (Norton) and surgeon Patrick Steptoe (Nighy) to pioneer in vitro fertilization (IVF) and solve the mystery of infertility. The synopsis reads, “This period drama celebrates the power of perseverance and the wonder of science as it follows this trio of unconventional visionaries who overcame incredible odds and opposition to achieve their dream, inspiring millions of people to dream with them in the process.”
Bill Nighy, Thomasin McKenzie and James Norton in Joy. Netflix/Kelly Brown
Director Ben Taylor (Sex Education, Cardinal Burns) said: “I'm truly honoured that my debut feature, Joy, will have its world premiere at this year's BFI London Film Festival. This is an under-recognised story of British scientific achievement and I think it's the perfect national celebration of these three maverick pioneers and their world-changing innovation in IVF.”
“Joy is a very personal story to me, and I know it will be for many in our audience,” Taylor continued, “but beyond that personal story, I hope the film will resonate even more today, with the spotlight on issues of infertility and choice.”
Christy Matheson, Director of the BFI London Film Festival, added: “We are honoured to present the world premiere of Joy – a beautifully made film with fantastic performances throughout. We are sure that audiences will be as moved as we are by this inspiring true story and the lasting impact it has had on so many.”
Joy, written by Jack Thorne and Rachel Mason, will have its world premiere at the Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank Centre in London on Tuesday 15th October as part of the BFI London Film Festival, which runs from 9th to 20th October.
