The producers of Louise Lockwood’s powerful theatrical debut Bel are delighted to announce the details for the film’s cinematic release.
Ahead of its world premiere as Closing Film at this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival on 19 August, Bel opens at the Filmhouse in Edinburgh on 4 September with dates to follow across the UK including post-show discussions featuring the film’s director, Louise Lockwood, Beldina’s sister, Leah McAleer and Producer Sarah Howitt. Tickets on sale via individual cinemas.
- Filmhouse Edinburgh | 4th-11th* September | tickets here
- Glasgow Film Theatre | 10th-17th* September | tickets on sale today
- Dundee Contemporary Arts | 18th, 20th, 21st and 23rd September
- Macroberts Arts Centre, Stirling | 23rd September*
- Eden Court, Inverness | 5th-7th September
- Cromarty Community Cinema | 20th September
- Sea Change Film Festival | 18th* and 20th* September on Isle of Seil & Isle of Tiree
*indicates post show discussion scheduled
More venues to be announced in due course.
The producers are also pleased to announce that Cargo Sales & Releasing, known for their work with independent, often cutting-edge titles, has been engaged as the international sales agent for Bel.
David Piperni, Cargo Film & Releasing said: “Sometimes a film comes along that knocks your socks off. Beldina’s story is powerful on multiple levels and in director Louise Lockwood’s hands, her story will touch audiences around the world.”
Bel tells the story of Beldina Odenyo, the Kenyan-Scottish musician, singer and songwriter, who performed under the stage name, Heir of the Cursed as well as working across Scotland’s theatre and poetry communities. After her acclaimed performance at the Scottish Album of the Year Awards in 2021, Bel took her own life, leaving behind raw, intimate video diaries and a hard drive full of original songs of great beauty.
This stirring film documents the journey her sister and friends took to release her work posthumously, creating a heartfelt, insightful portrait of a complex, intelligent and profoundly talented young woman.
Bel is the first feature documentary for cinematic release from Louise Lockwood who has been making acclaimed multi-award-winning television documentaries for over 20 years.
Produced by award winning producer Sarah Howitt; executive producers John Archer and Nancy Bornat [Hopscotch Films] Mark Thomas [Screen Scotland] and associate producer – the award-winning Scottish poet, novelist, and playwright Jackie Kay.
Bel was commissioned for BBC Two, BBC Scotland and iPlayer by Clare Sillery, former Head of Commissioning, BBC Documentaries and BBC Commissioning Editors, David Harron and Emma Loach with Commissioning Executive Shona Thompson.
Bel is supported by Screen Scotland, BBC and National Theatre of Scotland.
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