North East to roll out the red carpet for gala screening of 28 Years Later
Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle will welcome Danny Boyle and the film's local young actor star, Alfie Williams for a special screening recognising the region's role in the movie
A regional gala screening of 28 Years Later, the latest chapter in the acclaimed dystopian film series, which was filmed all over the North East, will take place at Newcastle’s Tyneside Cinema on Thursday, June 19.
Announced today (June 5) by North East Screen, Destination North East England, and the North East Combined Authority, the screening will be attended by the film’s Oscar and BAFTA-winning director, Danny Boyle and Newcastle-native actor Alfie Williams who makes his feature film debut in the production.
The event promises to recognise and celebrate the region’s starring role in the much-anticipated film and will see many members North East crew, extras, and location providers also walking the red carpet.
Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor, said: “The North East Gala Screening will be one of the largest screen events held in the North East for some time. The film will have wide global reach and we are proud that people will see the North East as the stunning backdrop to this film as well as see the work of our world class talented crew, suppliers and facilities.
**Remember this is a horror film before you watch the trailer**
“The North East welcomes more filming and 28 Years Later proves we can be a home for world class film and TV production creating more jobs for local people.”
The film, which continues the universe introduced in 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, was filmed - on iPhones - across various North East locations, from coastlines to countryside.
Gayle Woodruffe, operations director at regional film agency North East Screen, said: “We are delighted to welcome Danny, Alfie and so many of our amazingly talented North East Crew to this special preview screening of 28 Years Later, made right here in the North East.
“The team made excellent use of the diversity and versatility of locations available in our region and the film promotes the North East of England as a viable home for major feature films and HETV drama.”
The North East screening is expected to follow a London premiere, with both coming before the general release date on June 20.
Nic Greenan, chief executive at Tyneside Cinema, said everyone at the city centre venue was looking forward to rolling out the red carpet for the event.
“This is such an important moment for The Tyneside Cinema, and hosting such a prestigious screening will make this heritage venue the number one place to see and experience the film in the region where it was filmed,” she said.
Ian Thomas, chief operating officer of NewcastleGateshead Initiative on behalf of Destination North East England, said having the North East as a backdrop to a “massive blockbuster” would offer big tourism benefits for the region.
**Again. Remember this is a horror film before you watch the trailer**
He said: “It will be a huge draw for visitors eager to explore our stunning landscapes and walk in the footsteps of the film's stars.”
Meanwhile, Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain, said: “The North East Gala Screening will truly put Newcastle and the North East centre-stage. With the starring role destinations across the region have played in the film there could not be a more fitting place to host a screening, inspiring visitors to go out and explore the locations seen on screen.”
28 Years Later, starring Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams and Ralph Fiennes, will be released on June 20. The film is directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, with Cillian Murphy - star of the first film in the series - serving as executive producer.