It was fantastic to see a screening packed with so many people, most of whom had already seen and loved the film but others (like myself) experiencing it for the first time. It was also really interesting to see Hall and Finn reflect on the anniversary of the film, how it came to fruition, funny stories from the making of it, and the legacy that it’s left in both the North East and throughout the world.
it went down an absolute storm with the audience
Hall described being influenced by the films of Ken Loach and Terence Davies, directors known for exploring working-class communities in their work, and wanting to make a more accessible and populist story for general audiences. This clearly worked as producer Jon Finn described meeting fans of Billy Elliot in South Korea, and Finn also said that Billy Elliot is the only script given to him that’s ever made him cry. Now that’s praise indeed.
Despite the international appeal, the two men made it clear that the film’s DNA was in the North East. One of the questions asked in the Q&A was ‘How important was it for you to include the North East in the film?’ Hall was quick to respond that once he thought of the idea of a working-class boy becoming a ballet dancer, it became unthinkable to not base the film in the North East, against the turbulent backdrop of the miners’ strike.
Tyneside have more screenings of the film over the next week so you can watch this North East classic in an iconic North East cinema
As for the film itself, it went down an absolute storm with the audience. Those who had seen it before seemed very glad to see it on the big screen, and us first-timers were really impressed with the film’s emotional core and the performances, from the young Jamie Bell to Julie Walters, to (my personal favourite) to Gary Lewis as Billy’s angry troubled father. And of course, it was great to see so many locations from the North East up on the big screen, not least the amazing Tees Transporter Bridge, an iconic landmark from my neck of the woods!
A massive thank you goes to Tyneside Cinema for putting the event on, James Leggott for hosting, and to Lee Hall and Jon Finn for coming along and giving their insight on the legacy of the fantastic film they created. You haven't lost out on seeing the film on the big screen, though. Tyneside have more screenings of the film over the next week so you can watch this North East classic in an iconic North East cinema!