Part film, part theatre, part fever dream – The Extraordinary Miss Flower gets a trailer

THE EXTRAORDINARY MISS FLOWER will world-premiere at this year’s BFI London Film Festival as one of eleven films screening in Official Competition for the Best Film Award. The BFI London Film Festival will run from 9^th October – 20^th October, the full programme, timings, and ticket details will be announced on 4^th September. The film premiere will be just ahead of Emiliana Torrini’s London gig at Earth, Hackney on 20^th October which is part of her Autumn tour. This spellbinding performance film by Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard (20,000 Days on Earth), brings to life the remarkable story of the extraordinary Geraldine Flower and the discovery of a suitcase of letters sent to her in the 60s and 70s that inspired acclaimed Icelandic singer/songwriter Emilíana Torrini to return to the studio.

Part film, part theatre, part fever dream — The Extraordinary Miss Flower takes the form of a series of specially designed performances by Emilíana and her band, combined with dramatic scenes and readings from letters by well-known actors and musicians. It’s ultimately a heartfelt love letter to the enduring power of creativity and friendship.

As well as performing ten songs, Emilíana Torrini acts for the first time — alongside Caroline Catz (Delia Derbyshire: The Myths and Legendary Tapes) as ‘Miss Flower’. The film also features Richard Ayoade, Siggi Baldursson, Nick Cave, Alice Lowe, Mark Monero, Niall Murphy and Angus Sampson in supporting roles, plus the voice of Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Choreographer Kate Coyne (formerly Michael Clark company) performs alongside Viva Seifert and Saeed Esmaeli. The band is Simon Byrt, Mara Carlyle, Liam Hutton, Ian Kellett and Lovisa Sigrunardottir.

THE EXTRAORDINARY MISS FLOWER is backed by Sam Dyson and Distiller Music, and was shot at Distillery II studio, near Bristol. Produced by Zoe Flower, co-produced by Andy Starke with Executive Producers Ben Wheatley, Beth Earl, Anna Hildur Hildibrandsdottir. Key crew include Cinematographer Erik Wilson BSC, Simon Byrt (musical director), Susie Coulthard (costume designer), Emma Rios (production designer / illustrator) and Anna Randall (hair and make-up designer).

The project started with a remarkable discovery made by Emilíana and her friends, Zoe and her husband Simon. Following the passing of Zoe’s mother they found a case of treasured letters, telexes and photographs. Delving through the case they uncovered traces of an extraordinary life full of secrets and lifelong friendships, tales of travel, adventure, and love. With her imagination fuelled by these intoxicating fragments, Emilíana embarked on a creative odyssey. Working with her long-time musical collaborator, Simon Byrt, these letters blossomed into a suite of new songs. ‘Miss Flower’ is Emilíana’s first solo record for ten years, and a stunning evocation of a woman’s life, reimagined with love and artistic license by one of the most innovative artists of this era. Emilíana is a magical and magnetic storyteller, her warmth and talent are compelling. She is the central figure in this film and acts as a spellbinding theatrical embodiment of this creative endeavour.

On hearing the LFF news, directors Iain Forsyth & Jane Pollard said: “It’s rare for a project that’s creatively urgent and personally driven to receive recognition like this. In these challenging times for UK independent film, we urgently need beacons of light. So thank you London Film Festival — we’re thrilled silly that the world premiere of The Extraordinary Miss Flower will be in competition at LFF — in our home town, and the place Miss Flower called home.”

On the film itself they said: “After a chance meeting with Emilíana in Reykjavik, we knew she’d be a remarkable collaborator for a hybrid project like this. She’s spellbinding, a true raconteur with a permanent twinkle in her eye. This film is about capturing an alchemical performance, in collaboration with the camera. For us, that point of intersection is where real magic happens.”

On getting the LFF news Emilíana Torrini said: “I’m beyond excited for people to have the opportunity to see the film as part of the London Film Festival setting and so very chuffed to be in the official competition. I’m so proud of everyone involved for their work, we hope we have done Geraldine Flower and her extraordinary life justice.”

Talking about the film in general she added: “Being involved with this film was a mad and riveting experience. I’ve never been on a film set like this before, and I still don’t really know what happened. I am in total awe of Zoe, Iain and Jane to pull this off in such a short time. The artists and crew were incredible and showed such a deep understanding of where these songs came from, emotionally and creatively. A huge thank you to Sam and the team at Distiller for believing in the project and supporting us.”