I, Daniel Blake to close Take One Action Festival
This year’s Take One Action closes with the Palme d’Or winning film by the festival’s long time patron, Ken Loach
Take One Action – the UK’s leading social change film festival – today announced that it will close this year’s event with a special preview of Ken Loach's I, Daniel Blake (25 Sep, Filmhouse), the highly-anticipated, critically-acclaimed winner of the 2016 Cannes Film Festival’s most prestigious prize.
The 12th collaboration between Ken Loach and Scottish screenwriter Paul Laverty, the film is a searing indictment of the UK’s welfare system, as experienced by a genial carpenter recovering from a heart attack and a single mum of two, forced to leave London for the North East of England.
Our reviewer Patrick Gamble was bowled over by the film. "Dismantling the myths and demonisation surrounding benefit claimants, I, Daniel Blake isn't based on a true story but it certainly feels like it could be," Gamble wrote. "Inspired by Loach and Laverty’s encounters with various families across the country who are dependant on food banks, this painfully moving film gives a voice to the voiceless and is a timely example of protest filmmaking that speaks to audience's hearts." Read our full review here.
Paul Laverty, who also penned another of this year's TOA titles – The Olive Tree, directed by Edinburgh-based filmmaker Iciar Bollain – will be there on the night to present the film. “Take One Action Film Festival screenings are always a treat so I am delighted they will be screening the film for the first time in Scotland, at Edinburgh Filmhouse. Feels like a home game," says Laverty. "I know from past experience the post(-film) discussions are challenging, full of ideas way beyond the immediate confines of the film."
Take One Action 2016 takes place in Glasgow and Edinburgh 14-25 Sep, with additional screenings in Aberdeen (11-13 Nov) and Inverness (18-20 Nov). I, Daniel Blake closes the festival 25 Sep, at Filmhouse in Edinburgh. Tickets for the event go on sale today.
Read our feature on the films in the TOA programme kicking back against the radical right.
Tickets can be booked in advance via Filmhouse (0131 228 2688) and Glasgow Film Theatre (0141 332 6535) and, for all other venues, via takeoneaction.org.uk