New Releases: Sunny Dancer & more

First, Sunny Dancer arrives in UK cinemas this week — the joyful, warmhearted British indie that opened the Generation 14plus section of the Berlinale in February to well-deserved acclaim. Directed by George Jaques and starring Bella Ramsey, Jessica Gunning, James Norton and Neil Patrick Harris, the film follows a group of teenagers in cancer remission who spend a summer together — and in doing so, discover that life, friendship and first love are far more interesting than the illness that brought them together. Filmed entirely in Scotland with not a single hospital scene in sight, Sunny Dancer is one of the most distinctive and life-affirming British films of the year. Guild member Jill Pryde served as Line Producer on the production.

And on Sky Atlantic and NOW, Possession is a five-part supernatural thriller following Claudia, an ambitious bi-racial lawyer who travels to Jamaica to challenge a disputed inheritance claim tied to the historic Connaught plantation. As she investigates, she realises the estate has haunted her dreams for years — and begins to uncover disturbing secrets linking the plantation's violent past with present-day injustices. Created and written by Karla Crome and starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jonny Lee Miller, Sheldon Shepherd and Bel Powley, filmed in Bristol and Jamaica — this is bold, distinctive storytelling with a proudly British production heart. One of our Guild members were part of the team: Dalida Carew (1st Assistant Accountant).

Two productions. Two members. Two very different worlds — and our community woven through both. Congratulations to everyone involved.

Sunny Dancer (Athenaeum Films / Embankment Films)

Guild Members: Jill Pryde

Partners: BCD Media & Entertainment, Facilities by ADF, Film Finances International, Screen Scotland, SetKeeper, Team Engine, TPH Global, Tysers, Warner Bros. De Lane Lea

Previously released in August:

Possession (Now TV / Sky TV)

Guild Members: Dalida Carew

Partners: Bristol Film Office, Facilities by ADF, Filming in England, Snowed-In Productions, TPH Global