A NEW film about Emily Bronte, starring Line of Duty actor Adrian Dunbar, will be a "driver for screen tourism across the Bradford district."
Called Emily, the film is an imagined account of the life of one of the world's most famous authors, who wrote her masterpiece, Wuthering Heights, while living at Haworth Parsonage. It was filmed in and around Haworth, supported by Bradford City of Film.
Emma Mackey, star of Netflix hit Sex Education and Sir Kenneth Branagh's film Death on the Nile, plays Emily, "a rebel and misfit", as she finds her voice and writes her literary classic. Adrian Dunbar - Hastings in hit BBC crime drama Line of Duty, plays Emily's Irish father, Patrick Bronte.
The Warner Bros film, released on October 14, explores the relationships that inspired Emily - her "raw, passionate sisterhood" with Charlotte and Anne, her forbidden love for Weightman and her care for Branwell, the maverick brother she idolises. The cast also includes Gemma Jones, star of Gentleman Jack and the Bridget Jones films.
Emily is the directorial debut of actress Frances O’Connor, from her own screenplay. Said Frances: “Emily Bronte’s work and words are full of passion, feeling, violence and fierce intelligence. Her story is about a young woman daring to form herself, to embrace her true nature, despite the consequences. Emily is, in fact, a love letter to women today, especially young women, a calling to them to challenge themselves to connect with their authentic voice and potential.”
Bradford City of Film director David Wilson said: "The Bradford Film Office provided advice and support for the film when they filmed in Haworth. It was around the same time as The Railway Children Return was also filming in the area in May 2021, so took some co-ordination. Businesses and residents on Haworth Main Street were very supportive, especially as both stories had such local significance.
"As with all stories relating to the lives and works of the Brontes, this film will undoubtedly attract international attention and will be another driver for screen tourism across the Bradford district and the wider region."
Emily will have a special preview screening at Skipton's Plaza Cinema on Friday. And a dress worn by Emma Mackey in the film will go on display at Skipton Town Hall in an exhibition called Every Leaf Speaks Bliss to Me (October 8 to December 23) looking at creativity inspired by local landscapes. Made by Oscar-winning costume designer Michael O’Connor, and seen in the trailer, the dress will be displayed alongside film stills.
The film's producer, Piers Tempest, who gave the dress to the museum, said: "The countryside that Emily Bronte was brought up in was undoubtedly hugely influential and intrinsic to her work and we wanted to very much reflect this in our film. We really hope the landscape in Craven inspires visitors to the exhibition as much as it inspired us."
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