Regional Gala Screening of 28 Years Later to Be Held in Newcastle
A regional gala screening of “28 Years Later,” the newest installment in the renowned dystopian film series, is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, at the Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle. This highly anticipated event was announced today by North East Screen, Destination North East England, and the North East Combined Authority. Attendees will include the film’s celebrated director, Danny Boyle, who has won both an Oscar and a BAFTA, along with Newcastle local Alfie Williams, who is making his feature film debut. The screening aims to honor the North East’s significant contribution to the film, with many crew members, extras, and location providers from the region also expected to participate in the red carpet festivities.
Significance of the Event for the North East
Kim McGuinness, the Mayor of the North East, emphasized the importance of the gala screening, stating that it represents one of the largest cinematic events in the North East for quite some time. She expressed pride in the film’s global exposure, highlighting how it showcases the North East not only as a stunning setting but also as a hub of exceptional talent and production resources. McGuinness noted the film’s potential to attract further filming opportunities to the region, which could lead to job creation for local residents.
Diverse Filming Locations Across the North East
“28 Years Later” continues the story established in “28 Days Later” and “28 Weeks Later,” and was uniquely filmed using iPhones across various scenic locations in the North East, ranging from coastal areas to rural landscapes. Gayle Woodruffe, operations director at North East Screen, expressed excitement about welcoming Danny Boyle, Alfie Williams, and the local crew for this exclusive preview of the film. She highlighted how the production effectively utilized the region’s diverse locations, reinforcing the North East’s position as a desirable location for major films and high-end television dramas.
Anticipation for the Screening and Its Impact
The North East gala screening is poised to follow a premiere in London, both taking place ahead of the film’s general release on June 20. Nic Greenan, chief executive of Tyneside Cinema, shared the anticipation surrounding the event, noting that hosting such a prestigious screening solidifies the cinema’s status as the premier venue for experiencing the film in its filming location. Ian Thomas, chief operating officer of NewcastleGateshead Initiative on behalf of Destination North East England, remarked that having a blockbuster filmed in the North East would significantly boost tourism in the area.
Highlighting the Region’s Role in Cinema
Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain, remarked that the North East Gala Screening would place Newcastle and the surrounding region in the spotlight. She noted that the various locations featured in the film would inspire visitors to explore the areas shown on screen, further enhancing the region’s appeal. “28 Years Later,” featuring a star-studded cast that includes Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, and Ralph Fiennes, is directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, with Cillian Murphy from the original film serving as executive producer. The film is set to be released on June 20.
