A new World War II film titled Blitz, directed by Sir Steve McQueen, is set to premiere in London later today.
The film, which features parts of Hull as a stand-in for 1940s London, tells the poignant story of nine-year-old George and his mother, Rita, who is determined to send him to safety amidst the chaos of war.
Filming took place in February 2023, transforming Hull with vintage red buses, period street furniture, and 1940s posters to authentically capture the era.
Blitz will debut at the BFI London Film Festival before hitting cinemas on November 1.
Kristy Matheson, head of the festival, praised McQueen as a brilliant filmmaker, emphasizing that this latest project showcases his talents on “another level.”
She noted that the film is “visually dazzling” and features “incredible performances,” adding that it offers a profound social commentary.
The film stars Saoirse Ronan as Rita and Elliott Heffernan as George, alongside a talented cast including Harris Dickinson, Erin Kellyman, and Stephen Graham.
In addition to its filming locations in Hull’s Old Town and Hull Paragon Interchange, Blitz utilized extras and actors from East Yorkshire, contributing to the city’s rising reputation in the film industry.
Recently nicknamed “Hullywood,” Hull has become a popular destination for film and television productions, including The Crown and Enola Holmes 2, which were shot in locations such as High Street and Queen Victoria Square.
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