UK independent feature First Christmas, a dark comedy with a distinctive festive edge, will be presented at the upcoming Cannes Film Market, led by a strong ensemble of cast attachments including Mark Addy, Russell Tovey, Eleanor Tomlinson, Samuel Anderson, and Ian McNeice.

The project is being produced by Luke Allen (Ask Seek Knock, Telford) alongside Executive Producer Alyssa Roehrenbeck (The Saviours, Wishful Thinking), the latter of which won the Narrative Feature Competition Jury Prize at SXSW and was subsequently acquired by Sony Pictures.
 
Luke (a filmmaker himself with If Only Avenue) will be producing, with the film itself directed by Keith Wilhelm Kopp and written by Laurence Guy. This creative team previously received early development support from the BFI, and their debut feature Translations secured a UK theatrical release and won multiple awards at the Riverside International Film Festival.

The team describe First Christmas as "a character-driven, emotionally resonant story set against the backdrop of the holiday season". The production has already secured a portion of its financing and will arrive at Cannes with significant momentum. The team will be holding targeted meetings with financiers, sales agents and strategic partners to complete the film’s funding structure and advance towards production.

Speaking on the project, the filmmakers go on to explain that the story is “a darkly comic exploration of human connection during a time of heightened expectation and emotional intensity - balancing irreverence with sincerity".

With a compelling ensemble cast, experienced production team and clear route to market, the film is positioned as an attractive proposition for international partners and the production team will be engaging with selected industry contacts throughout the Cannes Film Market.

For further information check out Luke Allen's work at Instagram & Ask Seek Knock's website