The BFI London Film Festival was disrupted by protestors on its opening night on Wednesday.
UK film and TV crews staged a demonstration at the premiere of Saltburn, held at the capital’s Royal Festival Hall to make a ‘very clear statement’ about the impact the SAG-AFTRA strikes in the US have had on the U.K. industry.
While the red carpet was also noticeably lacking its usual star power, Emerald Fennell made an appearance.
The actress, 38, who has directed and produced the drama, nailed androgynous chic in a sharp white shirt with tie and a long black skirt.
Saltburn boasts a star-studded cast with Rosamund Pike, Richard E.Grant and Jacob Elordi – but they gave the screening a miss.
Opening night: The BFI London Film Festival was disrupted by the writers strike on its opening night on Wednesday at the screening of Emerald Fennell’s film Saltburn
Premiere: While the red carpet was also noticeably lacking its usual star power, Emerald Fennell made an appearance
Protest: UK film and TV crews staged a protest at the premiere of Saltburn at the capital’s Royal Festival Hall to make a ‘very clear statement’ about the impact the SAG-AFTRA strikes have had
As stars arrived, including model Erin O’Connor, around 30 protestors could be seen holding placards reading: ‘Writer’s strike is resolved, What’s in it for the UK?’ and ‘UK cast and crew are the backbone of this industry.
The demonstration was held to share how the strike has impacted below-the-line workers in the British production sector.
The Writers Guild of America ended its strike for fairer wages on Tuesday, September 26.
For 148 days it drew Hollywood to a standstill, and those who dared carry on with production – among the likes of Drew Barrymore and Bill Maher – faced immense blowback that prompted them to cancel their shows once again.
A statement from Crew Call For Change said of the reasons for their strike, which they said wasn’t against the festival: ‘75% of our workforce are out of work. 80% directly impacted directly by the US industrial disputes. At least 35% are struggling financially, 15% have already taken out loans to survive. Nearly a quarter of the workforce have said they don’t see themselves in the industry in five years time due to current instability.
‘This has been a dire period for so many.’
A BFI spokesperson said: ‘We have anticipated that protests centred around the Writers’ Guild of America and Screen Actors’ Guild (SAG-AFTRA) strikes and related disputes are being planned and that these will take place during the BFI London Film Festival.
As stars arrived, including model Erin O’Connor, around 30 protestors could be seen holding placards reading: ‘Writer’s strike is resolved, What’s in it for the UK?’
Glam: Charli Howard opted for a black midi dress and sparkly silver heels
High spirits: Josey McNamara and director Emerald Fennell shared a laugh on the red carpet
Absent: Saltburn boasts a star-studded cast with Rosamund Pike, Richard E.Grant and Jacob Elordi – but they gave the screening a miss
‘The BFI respects the right to peaceful protest and in common with film festivals and major media event moments all over the world, it’s not unusual for protests to take place at or during the LFF.
‘We are prepared for these situations with policies and procedures in place for managing our venues and events in all such situations. Our priority is to create a safe space for audiences, guests, staff and protestors at our events.’
Saltburn is set in England, with Jacob Elordi and Barry Keoghan attending Oxford University in the mid-2000s.
Struggling to find his place at Oxford University, Oliver Quick (Barry) finds himself drawn into the world of the charming and aristocratic Felix Catton (Jacob), who invites him to Saltburn, his eccentric family’s sprawling estate, for a summer never to be forgotten.
It is scheduled to be released on November 17.
Emerald previously wrote and directed Promising Young Woman; she won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, and was nominate for Best Director and Best Picture.
Say cheese: Emerald took a selfie with a fan as she walked down the red carpet
Talented: Emerald previously wrote and directed Promising Young Woman; she won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay
She’s got style: Erin looked effortlessly stylish in a black dress and jacket
Strike a pose: Erin worked the cameras
Chic: She accessorised with a black clutch bag
Strike a pose: Mika Simmons opted for a black velvet jumpsuit
Busty: Pam Hughes put on a very daring display as she went braless in a plunging number
All eyes on her: She left little to the imagination in the daring number
