Well, it’s practically official, I’m being told that Kenneth Branagh’s “Belfast” will have its World Premiere at the Telluride Film Festival and NOT at TIFF — after lengthy talks, T-Ride seems to have finally convinced Focus to screen the film at their fest FIRST. A huge blow for Toronto who were banking on this film to be one of their big World Premieres this year.
Branagh’s semi-autobiographical tale centers on a young boy’s childhood in Belfast in the 1960’s. Branagh has the talents of Judi Dench, Ciarán Hinds, Caitriona Balfe, and Jamie Dorman at his disposal. The film currently has a November 12th U.S. release date.
The other World Premieres expected to be at T-Ride include “King Richard,” “C’mon C’mon,” “Cyrano,” and “The Electric Life of Louis Wain.” There will, of course, be the big Venice World Premieres there as well (Campion, Schrader, Sorrentino, Larrain)
The Telluride Film Festival begins on Wednesday.