20 March 2008

Hugh Bonneville demonstrates his love affair with Merlin

Merlin has teamed up with digital film company Slingshot Studios to host an exclusive preview of director Jackie Oudney’s debut feature, French Film. 
 
On Tuesday 25th March, we'll hold a private screening of the romantic comedy, which stars Hugh Bonneville, Anne-Marie Duff, Victoria Hamilton, Douglas Henshall and Eric Cantona.  Before the show, the audience will be given the chance to learn more about Merlin's work around the world. Hugh Bonneville and some of the film’s creative team will also take questions from the audience after the screening.

Patron Hugh Bonneville (who has starred in Notting Hill, Iris, Freezing and Bonekickers) commented:
 
“Having recently made French Film with Slingshot, I thought its forthcoming release would be a great opportunity to highlight Merlin’s work. Both organisations are young and dynamic in spirit, ambitious in outlook, and versatile in their use of available resources. Most importantly they put every single penny of their limited budgets where it counts most: into the work on the ground, or on the screen.
 
I’m proud to have been a Patron of Merlin since 2004. Its aim is simple and essential: to provide health care to people suffering at the hands of conflict or natural disaster. Having visited Merlin’s programme in Congo and seen at first hand the amazing work they do, I am keen to increase public awareness of this unique and vital charity.”

French Film will be launched nationwide this Autumn.

 On the night: see pictures from the gala screening