Danny Boyle's 'Ink' to Open Venice Film Festival, Chronicling Murdoch's Sun Newspaper Rise

Danny Boyle's upcoming film "Ink" has been selected to open the 83rd Venice Film Festival, scheduled to run from September 2 through September 12. The movie, which features Jack O'Connell, Guy Pearce, and Claire Foy in leading roles, will have its world premiere as part of the festival's competition lineup.

A Story Rooted in Media History

The screenplay comes from James Graham, a celebrated playwright and screenwriter whose credits include "Dear England," "Sherwood," and "Brexit." Graham is a multiple Olivier Award winner, bringing significant theatrical prestige to the project.

Boyle described Graham's script as one he felt both compelled and privileged to bring to the screen. The director painted a vivid picture of the film's historical backdrop, noting that the story is set in 1969 — the same year humanity first set foot on the moon. However, Boyle emphasized that the launch of a newspaper by Rupert Murdoch and Larry Lamb that year would ultimately have a far greater impact on the world.

According to Boyle, long before the existence of Fox News, clickbait culture, Truth Social, Twitter, Facebook, Google, and OnlyFans, Murdoch and Lamb created a new tabloid that defied expectations to become the biggest-selling newspaper globally. He characterized The Sun as cheeky, irreverent, and daring, describing it as a "super soaraway" publication that challenged the establishment and reshaped society for the modern era.

Venice Festival Chief Praises the Collaboration

Alberto Barbera, the director of the Venice Film Festival, highlighted the impressive credentials behind the project. He pointed to the combination of an Oscar-winning director, one of London's most prominent playwrights, and three highly acclaimed actors in contemporary British cinema.

Barbera described the film as an account of Rupert Murdoch's acquisition of the daily newspaper The Sun. According to the festival chief, Murdoch entrusted the publication to Larry Lamb, whom he characterized as unscrupulous. Under Lamb's direction, The Sun was transformed into Britain's best-selling tabloid, overtaking its rival, The Mirror.

Production Team and Release Plans

"Ink" is a collaborative production involving Studiocanal, Media Res, and House Productions. Boyle serves as a producer alongside Tessa Ross, whose previous credits include "Conclave," "The Iron Claw," and "Zone of Interest," and Michael Ellenberg, known for "The Morning Show" and "Pachinko."

The project marks a reunion for Boyle and Ross, who previously worked together on the acclaimed film "Slumdog Millionaire." Tracey Seaward, whose credits include "The Two Popes," "Philomena," and "Pistol," also joins the production team.

Executive producers on the project include Anna Marsh, Ron Halpern, Joe Naftalin, Tonia Davis, Zoe Edwards, James Graham, and Sudie Smyth, with several of them representing Studiocanal.

Studiocanal will handle the theatrical release of "Ink" across its territories, which include Italy, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Poland, Benelux, Australia, and New Zealand. In Italy, the film will be distributed by Lucky Red.

As the Venice Film Festival continues to be one of the most prestigious events in global cinema, the selection of "Ink" as its opening film signals strong expectations for the project. With its compelling subject matter, accomplished creative team, and a cast of celebrated actors, the film is poised to generate significant attention when it premieres this September. If you found this article informative, consider sharing it with fellow film enthusiasts and following our coverage for more updates on the festival circuit.

Source: Variety