LUFF to host premieres from Whitecross, Temple

Among the films being shown to distributors for the first time are Ashes starring Ray Winstone, Jim Sturgess and Leslie Manville and directed by Mat Whitecross (Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll), sold by The Works, GFM Films’ The Blueblack Hussar, a new doc about 80s post-punk dandy Adam Ant; Content’s The Scapegoat, based on Daphne du Maurier novel starring Matthew Rhys (Brothers & Sisters); and Julien Temple’s documentary about London’s music scene, BabyLon/don from Ealing Metro International. Meanwhile, LUFF will also screen May I Kill U? the macabre comedy-drama directed by Stuart Urban (Our Friends In The North) and sold by Moviehouse Entertainment,

Last year, LUFF is estimated to have generated $11.5m worth of sales, a record breaking figure. This year the event will see over 150 international film buyers and festival directors in attendance.

Other premieres at this year’s LUFF include The Reef: High Tide 3D (a.k.a The Reef 2) directed by Mark Dippe, from SC Films International, Flying Blind, 8 Minutes Idle, Hollow, I Declare War, Grassroots, Black Forest: Hansel and Gretel & The 420 Witch.

The event’s Breakthrough strand is receiving record numbers of applications. This was the strand through which Dexter Fletcher’s directorial debut, Wild Bill, was first presented – prior to being snapped up by Universal. Titles selected this year include Film London Microwave’s Borrowed Time, directed by Jules Bishop and starring Phil Davies, Swandown a documentary directed by Andrew Kötting and Day of the Flowers, directed by John Roberts starring Eva Birthistle and Charity Wakefield.

“LUFF’s biggest strength is the full support of the UK sales companies and their commitment to the event, as well as the international buyers who repeatedly attend and I look forwarding to welcoming them again this year, with a packed and exciting programme,” commented Helena Mackenzie, Head of Inward Investment & Business Development at Film London.