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Filming begins for a town in nova scotia
The much-anticipated filming of Babak Jalali‘s upcoming feature, A Town in Nova Scotia, has officially commenced. Set against the backdrop of Liverpool, this new cinematic journey showcases the talented Bill Nighy, known for his performances in Living and About Time, in the role of Leon, a widower navigating life in a council flat. Joining him is Makram J Khoury, recognized for his roles in Munich and The Master and Margarita, playing Leon’s closest confidant, Saleh.
This film represents Jalali’s fifth feature, following his acclaimed works such as Radio Dreams, which earned accolades at the Rotterdam Film Festival in 2016, and Fremont, which premiered at Sundance in and garnered a British Independent Film Award nomination. Jalali’s distinctive storytelling style is set to shine once again with this project.
The creative team and production insights
Collaborating with Jalali on the screenplay is Carolina Cavalli, who previously worked with him on Fremont. The production is being overseen by Naïma Abed and Émilie Georges from Paradise City, alongside Jennifer Monks from The Fold. Financial backing is provided by notable organizations including BBC Film, BFI (which awarded funding through the National Lottery), and the Liverpool Film Office through the LCR Production Fund, among others.
Executive producers and creative contributors
Executive producers for this compelling narrative include Kristin Irving for BBC Film, Ama Ampadu for the BFI, and Christopher Moll for the Liverpool Film Office. Additional support comes from Sonny Gill and Peter O’Leary for Hoopsa Films, as well as Naomi Despres and Michèle Marshall for Desmar. This collaboration represents a significant development in the film, which has been nurtured under the guidance of BBC Film.
Key creative roles and talent representation
The film’s creative vision is further enhanced by a talented team, including production designer Paulina Rzeszowska, known for her work on Saint Maud and Censor, and cinematographer Crystel Fournier, who has lent her talents to projects like Great Freedom and Chiara. Costume design is led by Jessica Schofield, while hair and makeup are managed by Caroline Rose, both contributing to the film’s authentic aesthetic. The casting director, Lucy Pardee, a BAFTA winner, adds her expertise, having worked on films such as Aftersun and Rocks.
Bill Nighy is represented by the Independent Talent Group, UTA, and a range of legal and public relations firms, ensuring his continued success in the industry. Meanwhile, Makram Khoury is represented by Paul Becker, and Babak Jalali is supported by Independent Talent Group, CAA, and Cinetic.