The BFI London Film Festival was disrupted by protesters on its opening night on Wednesday.
British film and TV crews staged a demonstration at the premiere of Saltburn at the capital’s Royal Festival Hall to make a “very clear statement” about the impact of the SAG-AFTRA strikes in the US on British industry.
While there was also a noticeable lack of star power on the red carpet, Emerald Fennell showed up.
The 38-year-old actress, who directed and produced the drama, embodied androgynous chic in a chic white shirt and tie and a long black skirt.
Saltburn boasts a star-studded cast including Rosamund Pike, Richard E.Grant and Jacob Elordi – but they missed the screening.
Opening night: The BFI London Film Festival was disrupted by the writers’ strike on Wednesday’s opening night screening of Emerald Fennell’s film Saltburn
Premiere: While there was a noticeable lack of star power on the red carpet, Emerald Fennell did make an appearance
Protest: British film and TV crews protested at the premiere of Saltburn at the capital’s Royal Festival Hall to make a “very clear statement” about the impact of the SAG-AFTRA strikes
As stars arrived, including model Erin O’Connor, about 30 protesters could be seen holding placards that read: “The writers’ strike is over. What’s in it for the UK?” and “The British cast and crew are the backbone of this industry.”
The demonstration was held to report on the impact the strike was having on below-the-line workers in the UK manufacturing sector.
The Writers Guild of America ended its strike for fairer wages on Tuesday, September 26th.
For 148 days, Hollywood came to a standstill, and those who dared to continue with production – including Drew Barrymore and Bill Maher – faced a huge setback that led them to cancel their shows again.
A statement from Crew Call For Change said of the reasons for their strike, which they said was not against the festival: “75% of our workforce is unemployed.” 80% are directly affected by the labor disputes in the United States. At least 35% are struggling financially and 15% have already taken out loans to survive. Almost a quarter of the workforce said they couldn’t imagine themselves working in five years’ time due to the current instability in the industry.
“It was a bad time for so many.”
A BFI spokesman said: “We understand that protests are planned around the Writers’ Guild of America and Screen Actors’ Guild (SAG-AFTRA) strikes and related disputes and that these will take place during the BFI London Film Festival will take place.”
As stars arrived, including model Erin O’Connor, about 30 protesters could be seen holding placards that read: “The writers’ strike is over. What’s in it for the UK?”
Glamorous: Charli Howard opted for a black midi dress and sparkly silver heels
High spirits: Josey McNamara and director Emerald Fennell laughed together on the red carpet
Absent: Saltburn boasts a star-studded cast including Rosamund Pike, Richard E.Grant and Jacob Elordi – but they missed the screening
“The BFI respects the right to peaceful protest and, as with film festivals and major media events around the world, it is not uncommon for protests to occur at or during the LFF.”
“We are prepared for these situations and have policies and procedures in place to manage our venues and events in all such situations.” “Our priority is to create a safe space for audiences, guests, employees and protesters at our events.”
Saltburn is set in England, where Jacob Elordi and Barry Keoghan attend Oxford University in the mid-2000s.
As Oliver Quick (Barry) struggles to find his place at Oxford University, he is drawn into the world of the charming and aristocratic Felix Catton (Jacob), who takes him to Saltburn, the sprawling estate of his eccentric family, for an unforgettable summer. invites .
The release is scheduled for November 17th.
Emerald previously wrote and directed Promising Young Woman; It won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and was nominated for Best Director and Best Picture.
Say cheese: Emerald took a selfie with a fan while walking the red carpet
Talented: Emerald previously wrote and directed Promising Young Woman; She won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay
She’s got style: Erin looked effortlessly stylish in a black dress and jacket
Strike a pose: Erin operated the cameras
Chic: She wore it with a black clutch
Strike a pose: Mika Simmons opted for a black velvet jumpsuit
Busty: Pam Hughes put on a very daring performance as she went braless in a plunging dress
All eyes are on her: she left little to the imagination with the daring number