Lilting (film)

Lilting is a British drama film written and directed by Cambodian-born British director Hong Khaou, whose short film, Spring, was selected for Sundance and Berlinale film festival 2011.^[1] It is produced by Dominic Buchanan, whose debut film Gimme The Loot had its World Premiere at SXSW in March 2012 and went on to win the Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature.^[2] The world premiere of the film will be on January 16, 2014, on Day One of the Sundance Film Festival, at which it will compete in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition.^[3]

Plot

Lilting tells the story of a mother’s attempt at understanding who her son is after his untimely death. Her world is suddenly disrupted by the presence of his lover. Together, they attempt to overcome their grief whilst struggling against not having a shared language.^[4]

Production

The script, original titled Lilting the Past, won third spot in the 2011 Brit List, a list of the best unproduced British screenplays.^[5]

The film was one of three films greenlit by Microwave in early 2012.^[6][7] A casting call was later released for the three of the lead roles,^[8] later filled by Cheng Pei Pei and Andrew Leung.

Filming began in November 2012.^[9] Director Khaou has said the film will be visually inspired by Wong Kar-wai's In the Mood for Love.^[10]

During production, as part of the Microwave scheme, Michael Winterbottom mentored writer/director Khaou, while producer Buchanan was mentored by Ken Marshall, producer of London to Brighton, Filth and Song for Marion. As with all Microwave films, the budget was £120,000.^[11] It is the first bi-lingual film to be made under the Microwave scheme.^[12]

Cast

• Ben Whishaw
• Andrew Leung
• Cheng Pei Pei
• Morven Christie
• Naomi Christie
• Peter Bowles

References