Comedian Seann Walsh stars in British independent feature film The Bystanders released exclusively in UK cinemas from 3rd November through Screenbound Pictures with special preview Q&A screenings in Manchester (17th Oct), Brighton (18th Oct) and London (3rd Nov).
The Bystanders, from debut feature director Gabriel Foster Prior, is an off-the-wall sci-fi comedy set in a parallel dimension - a world in which invisible immortals watch over their subjects and intervene in their lives, often not for the better. Filled with mysterious moments it mixes surrealism with retro sci-fi and classic silent comedy set-pieces to create a wry satire on modern city life.
Co-starring alongside Seann Walsh, currently on tour with his Back from the Bed comedy show, are Scott Haran (Wizards vs. Aliens), Andi Jashy (Gangs of London, Big Boys) and Georgia Mabel Clarke in her screen debut. The cast also includes Nick Helm, Lucy Pinder, David Schaal, Lauren Douglin, Frank Harper and Marek Larwood.
World Premiering on opening night of the Austin Film Festival in 2022, where it was made a Staff Pick, the film has been screening at festivals across the globe including Boston Sci Fi Film Festival, Fantaspoa in Brazil, FANT Bilbao in Spain, Macabro in Mexico and the Berlin Independent Film Festival where it won Best Sci Fi/Horror Feature.
Premiering in the UK in June as the Closing Night film at the Sci-Fi London film festival The Bystanders won the Audience Award for Best Feature with extra screenings scheduled due to popular demand. Further accolades have been bestowed on the film with Seann Walsh, his first lead role in a feature film, taking the Best Actor award at the Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival in August.
Screenbound’s MD, Alan Byron, has remarked “by releasing the film theatrically on its home turf, we are giving UK audiences an opportunity to experience the energy, imagination and inventiveness of a talented first-time director on the big screen. Gabriel’s vision has created a truly unique world and we look forward to rolling it out in cinemas soon.”
Foster Prior, who co-wrote the film alongside Jack Hughes, is immensely excited to be bringing the film, described by Bloody Disgusting as channelling “the scrappy energy of a young, Spaced-era Edgar Wright”, to UK cinemas:
“Cinemas are magic places, and I am very excited to be screening The Bystanders across the UK. At a film festival in Mexico, there was a line of fans asking for my autograph, so hopefully there will be more of that too.”
The Bystanders was produced by Waggon & Horses Productions marking their first feature film having previously successfully produced short films, stand-up comedy specials and web series including The Drunk.
The Bystanders will be released in UK cinemas from 3rd November.
For more information, screening updates and tickets visit www.bystandersfilm.com
Special Preview Q&A screenings:
Everyman Manchester St. Johns, Manchester
Tuesday 17th October 6:15pm - TICKETS HERE
Q&A with director Gabriel Foster Prior and producer Luisa Riviere.
Duke of York’s Picturehouse, Brighton
Wednesday 18th October 8pm - TICKETS HERE
Q&A with director Gabriel Foster Prior and graphic designer James ‘Foz’ Foster, VFX artist Frank Foster and editor Will Steer.
Rio Cinema, London
Friday 3rd November 6:45pm - TICKETS HERE
Q&A with director Gabriel Foster Prior and cast members Scott Haran, Andi Jashy, Georgia Mabel Clarke, Lauren Douglin and David Schaal.
Watch the trailer below
