Matthew John’s Hedda Gabler Headed to Cannes

Though there have been no formal announcements of the Cannes lineup, This is Gloucester reports that Matthew John’s Hedda Gabler will have its premiere there – in competition, not in competition, it does not give the details:

FILM maker Matthew John has returned to his Gloucester roots to add the finishing touches to his directorial debut before its Cannes Festival premiere in May.

Matthew, 34, will rub shoulders with the stars at the Palais des Festivals when his film adaptation of the classic Henrik Ibsen stage tragedy, Hedda Gabler, is shown to the world.

“It’s a massive challenge but with everyone pulling together and working flat out we think we can do it,” he said.

“Quality British costume drama is the envy of the world and we’re determined to get our film to Cannes, but without cutting corners. We’ve got just eight days of filming to get it right.

“I have returned to my roots after a period in Los Angeles, Britain has incredible architecture and history, hopefully this film will celebrate that.”

He hopes the film will go on to show at Venice, Berlin, Toronto and Sundance film festivals.

His mum’s Abbeydale home has been turned into a part-time sweatshop too as she leads a small army of seamstresses in making costumes for the film.

Jackie John said recreating Victorian dress has been hard work.

“The costumes are quite intricate,” she said.

“Matthew was keen to make them as authentic as possible and that has been the biggest challenge.

“He has worked so hard and we are all hoping the film is a success and look forward to seeing it.

“It’s been great having Matthew back in the country, but he is very busy and he has only been popping in and out.”

The film has an international cast, made up of actors who regularly appear on stage.