John Lennon Biopic to Kick Off Film Fest

Nowhere Boy, a biopic exploring the childhood of a creative, spirited and curious John Lennon growing up in post-war Liverpool, will officially kick off the Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) when it takes place April 15-22, 2010 at Regal Green Hills Cinema. Directed by Sam Taylor-Wood in her feature-film debut, the film stars the Oscar-nominated Kristin Scott Thomas (The English Patient, Gosford Park, Four Weddings and a Funeral), as Lennon’s Aunt Mimi, and Aaron Johnson as the young Lennon. The film has already picked up significant acclaim in Great Britain, including several nominations for London Critics Circle Awards, British Independent Film Awards and BAFTA Awards.  It had its International Premiere in January at the Sundance Film Festival.

“What better way to kick off eight days of storytelling, creativity, collaboration and music than with a film celebrating the young life of one of the greatest artists in history of popular music,” said Sallie Mayne, Executive Director NaFF.

According to Artistic Director Brian Owens, entries to the Festival reached a new level this year, with 2,216 feature-length and short films from 82 countries. A complete schedule of films, events and panels will be announced next week.

“Nowhere Boy,” produced by the Weinstein Company, brings to life Lennon as a spirited teenager — curious, sharp and funny — growing up in the war shattered city of Liverpool in dreary post-war Britain. Two extraordinary sisters tussle for his love: Mimi, the formidable aunt who raised him from the age of five and Julia, the spirited mother who gave him up to Mimi’s care. Yearning for a normal family, John escapes into art and the new music flooding in from the United States. His fledgling genius finds a kindred spirit in the young Paul McCartney. But just as Lennon’s new life begins, the truth about his past leads to a tragedy he would never escape.

Individual tickets for the 2010 Nashville Film Festival will go on sale online in early April. Click here for more information. .