Star-studded Belfast movie premiere launches local film festival
We've got the goss from last night's red carpet event ✨
Last updated 5th Nov 2021
Some of the biggest names in TV and film arrived in Belfast last night, to celebrate the premiere of Sir Kenneth Branagh's semi-autobiographical film Belfast, at the Belfast Film Festival.
The local cast have already scooped up an impressive 11 nominations for the upcoming British Independent Film Awards.
Caitriona Balfe, who plays Ma is nominated for best actress, Dame Judi Dench nominated for best supporting actress, Ciaran Hinds nominated for best supporting actor and star Jude Hill nominated for breakthrough performance
Rumour has it that the movie could make it big in Hollywood too, with a nod at the Oscars next year.
We caught up with some of the dazzling cast on the red carpet to learn more about how special it is to premiere the film here in Belfast.
"Belfast, as it has done for a long time, knows how to put these things on," shares the film's writer and director Branagh. "We're here at the Belfast Film Festival, celebrating Belfast film and celebrating all of being together."
11 year old Jude Hill, who plays the lead role Buddy in the film was over the moon to be a part of Belfast's history.
Being so young Jude explained how he studied hard for the role and learned a lot about Northern Ireland's turbulent past. "I had to self-educate myself," he explains. "I watched a few YouTube videos, documentaries, TV shows and my mum and dad talked to me about it all too."
Jamie Dornan describes the film as a total one off! "I've done a lot of work set here, I'll endeavour to do more and more work here, it means everything to me.
"Much of this film is for the people here, for the resilience, the brilliance, the humour and for everything that the great people of this city and part of this world has been through."
Check out some of the highlights from Belfast's red carpet premiere 👇
Jamie Dornan pictured with his wife Amelia Warner
Jude Hill and Lewis McAskie can't stop smiling as they arrive for their first big premiere in Belfast
Caitriona Balfe plays the role of Ma in the film
Local press eager to chat to Caitriona Balfe
Crowds were waiting to meet the stars of the film from 2pm on Thursday
Jamie Dornan and his wife Amelia Warner
Jude Hill with his mum Shauneen
Jude is taking his new found stardom in his stride
Caitriona meets some of her fans, some flew over from Germany just to catch a glimpse
Director of Belfast, Sir Kenneth Branagh joins Belfast Film Festivals Brian Henry Martin and Michele Devlin at the opening night of the Festival
Kenneth couldn't wait to bring his semi-autobiographical film to his hometown
Ciarán Hinds plays the grandfather role in the film
Ciaran Hinds signs autographs for fans outside the Waterfront Hall
Local celeb Eamonn Holmes was excited to watch the movie and to take part in last night's event
When will Belfast be in cinemas?
Belfast will drop in cinemas here in Northern Ireland on 21st January 2022.
Don't miss the snaps from behind the scenes filming 👇
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