James Norton’s new movie Joy is set to make its world premiere at the 68th BFI London Film Festival, with additional screenings to be announced for selected UK cinemas.
The film – which also stars Bill Nighy and Last night in Soho and The Power of the DogThomasin McKenzie – will make his debut at London’s Southbank Centre Tuesday, October 15with further screenings scheduled to take place on the same date and time at nine of the Festival’s partner cinema venues across the UK.
Early screenings mean that some lucky members of the public will be able to see the film a month ahead of its limited UK release (November 15) and confirmed Netflix release date (November 22).
Related: Happy ValleySiobhan Finneran and Asa Butterfield will star in the Netflix thriller
Joy focuses on the birth of the first ‘test tube baby’, telling the true story of Louise Joy Brown, the first person born through in vitro fertilization (IVF), and the 10-year journey it took to get there.
“I am truly honored that my first film, Joywill make its world premiere at this year’s BFI London Film Festival,” said director Ben Taylor.
“This is a very little-known story of British scientific achievement and it’s perfect to celebrate these three pioneers – and their world-changing innovation in IVF – here at home.”
Related: James Norton’s new BBC period drama shares update and new cast
Kristy Matheson, the director of this year’s BFI London Film Festival, called Joy a “beautifully crafted film with amazing performances throughout,” adding that it’s set to leave audiences “moved.”
THE Happy Valley The actor will be in attendance at the Southbank Center screening for the festival, with Nighy, McKenzie and director Taylor also confirmed.
Ticket information and the full BFI London Film Festival program will be revealed on Wednesday 4 September, with tickets going on sale from 17 September onwards.
The 68th BFI London Film Festival runs from Monday 9th October to Friday 20th October.
Joy will be released in selected cinemas across the UK and Ireland from November 15th and will be released globally on Netflix on November 22nd.
Associate News Editor, Digital Spy
Emily is an experienced entertainment writer and editor, reporting on all things TV, film, soaps and showbiz. An NCTJ graduate journalist, with a First Class Honors degree in Journalism from the University of Sussex, Emily has previously worked at Hello magazine, BBC South News and GoodtoKnow. She joined Digital Spy as deputy news editor in May 2023 and became deputy news editor the following year.
A small and big screen obsessive – with subscriptions to every TV and movie service under the sun – Emily knows her movie stars from soap stars and is always up to date on the latest reality show, the trailer that’s just been released or the off-screen controversy . She has interviewed a number of celebrities over the years, with her highlights The masked singer host Joel Dommett and GBMby Kate Garraway (who “loved” her trousers).
Emily counts Sharon Horgan and Julia Davis as her TV heroes and is a die-hard Wes Anderson fan. LinkedIn
