BEEN SO LONG (2018) 

Directed by Tinge Krishnan

 

Chewing Gum star Michaela Coel leads a talented cast in Tinge Krishnan’s contemporary London musical, which reimagines Camden as a romantic neon-soaked wonderland.

Having made an impact at LFF 2011 with her gritty low-budget debut Junkhearts, London-based writer-director Tinge Krishnan returns to the Festival with a different type of city story for her ambitious second feature. Adapted from Ché Walker’s stage play and retaining Arthur Darvill’s original songs, Been So Long is a contemporary musical set on the streets of Camden Town.

Krishnan shoots this familiar locale with streets bathed in neon and rich in romantic possibilities. BAFTA® winner Michaela Coel lights up the big screen as dedicated and whip-smart single mum Simone whose encounter with the confident yet secretive lothario Raymond, played by The Pass star Arinzé Kene (reprising his role from the Young Vic theatre production), has her head spinning. This charismatic pair lead an all-singing and dancing ensemble populated by a wealth of homegrown talent. Ronke Adekoluejo steals scenes as Simone’s fearless best friend Yvonne, while the volatile Gil (George MacKay) has a score to settle at the bar owned by Barney (Luke Norris). Other faces to note include Joe Dempsie (Game of Thrones) and Arsher Ali (The Ritual), with the eclectic soundtrack adding a soulful personality of its own.

Dir Tinge Krishnan
Prod Nadine Marsh-Edwards, Amanda Jenks
Scr Ché Walker
With Michaela Coel, Arinzé Kene, Ronke Adekoluejo, George Mackay
UK
2018
100min
UK Distribution Netflix

 

The film is followed by an A&Q discussion with: Director, Tinge Krishnan, actor, Ronke Adekoluejo (Christopher Robin), and music director, Arthur Davill. Hosted by Birds’ Eye View’s director, Mia Bays.

Followed by a meet & greet.