Filmmaker Clio Barnard is from Yorkshire and gained recognition with her debut feature documentary The Arbor (2010), an innovative portrait of Bradford playwright Andrea Dunbar that won multiple awards, including Best New Documentary Filmmaker at the Tribeca & a BAFTA. Barnard followed with the acclaimed features The Selfish Giant (2013), which premiered in Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes, Dark River (2017) & Ali & Ava (2021). She has also directed TV including The Essex Serpent & Sherwood.
From Birmingham estates to the Croisette, Clio Barnard’s stirring drama explores friendship, class and the crushing realities of modern Britain. Shannon Cotter reviews one of the festival’s most talked-about titles.
Matt Micucci looks at The Selfish Giant's dark drama.