Their Finest – a period romantic comedy filmed extensively in Wales – gets its world premiere at a gala screening at Toronto International Film Festival this weekend when stunning Welsh locations and breathtaking landscapes share a starring role with the celebrated cast.
Directed by Danish filmmaker Lone Scherfig, Their Finest follows the misadventures of a British movie crew struggling to make a patriotic film to boost morale during the London Blitz in World War II.
Its star-studded cast includes Gemma Arterton, Sam Claflin, Bill Nighy, Helen McCrory, Jeremy Irons and Richard E. Grant.
The locations used in south west Wales include Swansea’s Grand Theatre and the Guildhall – which double up as the Ministry of Information and Whitehall, alongside a number of locations in Pembrokeshire including Trecwn Valley, Freshwater West, Porthgain Harbour, Haverfordwest’s Palace Cinema and The Cresselly Arms in Cresswell Quay.
The crew spent four weeks filming in South West Wales and received location assistance from Wales Screen, part of Welsh Government Creative Industries team, while the film was backed by the Welsh Government’s £30m Media Investment Budget, which is managed by Pinewood Pictures, and developed and co-financed by BBC Films.
Economy Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates said:
“Attracting a high calibre production like Their Finest to Wales not only creates direct economic benefits during filming but also brings long term benefits.
“It helps promote Wales on an international stage and highlights the expertise we have in Wales within the film industry while the stunning scenery, picturesque locations and wonderful landscapes featured in the film provide an invaluable promotion for our tourism industry.”
Their Finest gets the red carpet treatment at the Toronto International Film Festival (8-18th Sept) with a gala screening on Sunday 11 Sept. This will be followed by its European premiere at the 60th BFI London Film Festival at the Mayor of London’s Gala screening at the Odeon Leicester Square on Thursday 13 October
Adapted for the screen by Gaby Chiappe from the 2009 comic and heart-breaking novel Their Finest Hour and a Half by Lissa Evans, it is described as ‘a witty, warm-hearted and moving portrayal of a young woman screenwriter ( Gemma Arterton) finding her way in matters of life, death and the heart.’
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