The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) and EuropaCorp announced today that the 32nd edition of the festival will close with the Lone Scherfig (“An Education,” “The Riot Club”) directed romantic comedy, “Their Finest,” at the Arlington Theatre on Saturday, February 11th, 2017 in anticipation of the film’s March 24th theatrical release.
“Their Finest” is written by Gaby Chiappe, based on the novel by Lissa Evans and stars Gemma Arterton (“Prince of Persia”), Sam Claflin (“Me Before You”), Bill Nighy (“Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” Franchise), Jack Huston (“American Hustle”), and Richard E. Grant (“Bram Stoker’s Dracula”).
SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling stated, “Lone’s deeply touching film is authentic, funny and depicts the power that cinema has to bring people together and share their stories. It was the perfect choice to kick off this year’s festival.”
The year is 1940, Britain. With the nation devastated by the war, the British ministry turns to propaganda films to boost morale at home. Realizing their films could use “a woman’s touch,” the ministry hires Catrin Cole (Gemma Arterton) as a scriptwriter in charge of writing the female dialogue. Although her artist husband looks down on her job, Catrin’s natural flair quickly gets her noticed by charming lead scriptwriter Buckley (Sam Claflin). Catrin and Buckley set out to make an epic feature film based on the Battle of Dunkirk starring pretentious fading movie star Ambrose Hilliard (Bill Nighy). As bombs are dropping all around them, Catrin, Buckley and their colorful cast and crew work furiously to make a film that will warm the hearts of the nation.
The film is produced by Stephen Woolley, Amanda Posey, Finola Dwyer and Elizabeth Karlsen. Christine Langan, Ed Wethered, Robert Norris, Ivan Dunleavy, Peter Watson, Zygi Kamasa and Thorsten Schumacher serve as executive producers. The film is produced by Number 9 Films and Wildgaze Films.
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival runs from February 1st to February 11th, 2017.
For more information, and to purchase tickets, festival passes and packages, please visit www.sbiff.org
