UK backer Film4 has shared a first-look image (above) at the Michaela Coel musical feature “Been So Long,” which is based on the critically acclaimed stage production by Ché Walker and Arthur Darvill that premiered at The Young Vic.
The BAFTA-winning actress and star of the hit Channel 4 (UK) comedy “Chewing Gum” (which is currently streaming on Netflix), leads the cast of BAFTA-winning director Tinge Krishnan’s feature, which also stars Arinze Kene in the above photo with Coel.
Official synopsis reads: Romance, rage and revenge. “Been So Long” is a neon soaked, modern day romance set on the streets of London’s musical hot-bed of Camden. We follow Simone (Michaela Coel), a dedicated single mother who, on a rare night on the town is charmed by a handsome yet troubled stranger, igniting old and new feelings. Set against the backdrop of an ever-changing city, “Been So Long” is a fresh take on love, life and moving on.
Joining Coel and Kene as the seductive Raymond are BAFTA EE Rising Star nominee George Mackay who plays broken-hearted fantasist Gil; and Ronke Adekoluejo, who completes the quartet of unwitting star-crossed lovers, as Simone’s gutsy, happy-go-lucky best friend Yvonne.
The all-singing, all-dancing cast also includes Ashley Thomas, Joe Dempsie, Luke Norris, Rakie Ayola and introducing Mya Lewis.
Principal photography kicked off in March on the modern day love story set on the streets of Camden, filming across London. The soundtrack will be a diverse mix of RnB, Nu Soul, UK dance and cinematic orchestration, featuring music from up and coming guest producers.
The project has been developed for the screen by BAFTA-nominated producers Nadine Marsh-Edwards and Amanda Jenks, who together run Greenacre Films.
“Been So Long” is backed by the British Film Institute (BFI) and Film4, with executive producers Lizzie Francke, Eva Yates, Jane Wright and Indira Guha.
Fabien Westerhoff’s Film Constellation is handling international sales.
No ETA at this time, but we’d expect it to premiere later this year, possibly on the international film festival circuit; the Toronto International Film Festival would provide for a good launching pad.
