On Tuesday 15 October, the stars came out to tread the red carpet at Southbank’s Royal Festival Hall for this year’s Cunard Gala, as we presented the World Premiere of “Joy” at the 68th BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express.
“Joy” tells the remarkable true story behind the ground-breaking birth of Louise Joy Brown, the world’s first ‘IVF baby’ and the pioneering 10-year journey to make it possible.
The Cunard Gala began with a pre-screening reception attended by the stars of the film, including Thomasin McKenzie, James Norton and Bill Nighy, alongside Director Ben Taylor as well as 500 guests invited by Cunard, Netflix and the BFI.
Cunard President Katie McAlister, VP Brand and Product Lee Powell and incoming VP Global PR and Events Liz Edwards, joined the “Family Shot” (the official pre-screening photocall with the talent, writers and Festival producers) alongside real life subject, Louise Joy Brown , fifth from left).
The Cunard VIPs included travel agents and PR hosted influencers and actors, with attendees enjoying cocktails themed around the evening’s Premiere, including “The Cunarder”, before taking to the red carpet for the very first screening of “Joy”.
“Joy” will be released in selected cinemas across the UK and Ireland from 15 November before launching on Netflix globally on 22 November 2024.
James Norton and Thomasin McKenzie
In September 2023, we announced a three-year partnership with the BFI that sees a curated programme of specially selected films exclusively shown on the outdoor screen in The Pavilion on board Queen Anne, and in March 2025 together we’ll present the Film Festival at Sea on Queen Mary 2, where guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the mechanics of bringing a motion picture to life as they hear from industry talent. As the main sponsor of London Film Festival, we’re looking forward to continuing our partnership with the UK‘s lead organisation for film and the moving image.
Congratulations goes to …
- Tracey Mills
- Charlotte Fitzgerald
- Elise Sheppard
- Abi Winfeild
- Bradley Lambert
Your numbers were drawn from the Million Makers’ raffle to celebrate the release of Joy, and you’ve all won a pair of showcase Cinema tickets! Thanks for entering.