Marianne Faithfull doc set for UK release ahead of BFI Festival premiere

Broken English, a new documentary chronicling the late singer and poet Marianne Faithfull, has had its UK and Ireland distribution rights for a nationwide cinema release acquired ahead of its BFI London Film Festival debut this weekend. 

Directed by BAFTA nominees Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, who are best known for their fictionalised Nick Cave documentary 20,000 Days on Earth, the documentary features Faithfull’s final performance before her passing in January, and captures rare moments of the singer reflecting on art, survival, and legacy. 

Her final years are framed by a fictional story starring Tilda Swinton and George Mackay as two investigators committed to rescuing cultural memory from oblivion, who choose Faithfull as their first “subject”, rendering her life through a tapestry of interviews, archival footage, and soundscapes. The film also features contributions from friends and longtime collaborators including Cave, Courtney Love, Suki Waterhouse, and Beth Orton. 

After its world premiere at Venice Film Festival in August, Vue Lumière has acquired the exclusive distribution rights for Broken English in the UK and Ireland, with its debut at BFI London Film Festival taking place this Sunday, 11th October. “Broken English is a powerful and compelling film with standout performances and universal appeal,” said Eve Gabereau, Director of Distribution at Vue Lumière, “We’re proud to be bringing Marianne’s story told by such amazing talent to audiences across the UK and Ireland.”

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