Scottish films feature in Cannes line-up

Director Ken Loach¹s new film, 'Sweet Sixteen', a Scottish Screen Lottery funded feature and the latest in his Scottish trilogy, has been chosen for competition at the Cannes International Film Festival.
Loach is no stranger to the festival and is a great Cannes favourite. His last entry, 'My Name is Joe', having won its star Peter Mullan a Best Actor award. 'Sweet Sixteen', written by Paul Laverty and produced by Rebecca O¹Brian for Parallax Pictures, was filmed in and around Greenock and tells the story of a young man¹s struggle to create a new life in time for his Mother¹s release from prison. As the countdown begins, Liam is prepared to risk everything to achieve his dream of a secure future.
Also nominated is Lynne Ramsay, who will premiere her second feature 'Morvern Callar', co- funded by the Scottish Screen Lottery Fund, in Directors¹ Fortnight, which is the section of the festival specially for first and second time feature directors. George Faber, Charles Pattinson and Robin Slovo of Company Pictures produced Morvern Callar, adapted from Alan Warner¹s cult novel. The film stars Samantha Morton as a supermarket worker from a small West of Scotland port whose quiet life is turned upside down when she discovers her boyfriend¹s body on the kitchen floor.
Steve McIntyre, Chief Executive of Scottish Screen, said: 'Scottish Screen congratulates both these talented directors and their production teams. We are delighted that the Cannes selection committee has once again recognised the high quality and originality of our Scottish filmmakers. We wish them both great success.¹
Dr Elaine Murray, the Scottish Deputy Arts Minister, will be in Cannes to attend the premiere of one of the chosen films as well as to meet with international industry figures and Scottish producers.
Scottish Screen, www.scottishscreen.com /A>
(GB)