Ground breaking British director Clio Barnard is back in cinemas this week after a five year gap – and marks her return with a film which moves away from her customary gritty look at life.
Set in her beloved Yorkshire, ‘Ali & Ava’ follows the couple of the title as they come together and fall in love, despite opposition from their families and a number of other obstacles – not the least of which is the difference in their musical tastes! Both in their forties, and with the inevitable emotional baggage, it’s easy to make assumptions about them, but the truth is surprising. The film has been nominated for two BAFTAs, including Outstanding British Film.
In the exclusive interviews below, we spoke to actors Adeel Akhtar (Ali), Claire Rushbrook (Ava) and Barnard herself about the process of making the film and setting it on the streets of Bradford. Akhtar, who won a BIFA for his performance, and is also nominated for a BAFTA, recalls how working with Barnard was the culmination of a long-held ambition, while his co-star talks about her experience of working on a much bigger film (Spiderman:Far From Home) as well as comparing her taste in music with that of her character. Barnard explains why the film has a more optimistic tone than her other films and all three discuss its approach to romance and how they created a very special couple.
‘Ali & Ava’ is released in cinemas on 4 March 2022.
