I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning, the next film from BAFTA-nominated writer and director Clio Bernard (Ali & Eva, Dark River), has been purchased for worldwide rights by Charades.
The Paris-based sales company has released first-look images of the project, which was first announced by Variety, set to launch at the European Film Market in Berlin in 2025.
Adapted by Die My Love and Hunger author Enda Walsh from Kieran Goddard’s novel of the same name, the film stars a lively ensemble cast including Anthony Boyle (Say Nothing, Masters of the Air), Joe Cole (Gangs of London, A Prayer Before Dawn) and Jay Ricargo (Steve, Half Bad: The Bastard). Darryl McCormack (Leo Grande, Good Luck, Bad Sisters), Laura Petticrew (Say Nothing, She Said). Millie Brady (The Last Kingdom), Lucy Shorthouse (Rebus) and James Eales (The Batman) also star.
“I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning” follows five childhood friends. Patrick, Shiv, Ryan, Oli, and Connor skipped school together to play together and dream of the life they would one day have. Now that they’re 30 years old, the future they envisioned is quietly slipping out of reach.
The film is produced by Tracy O’Riordan of Moonspan Films, continuing her long-standing relationship with the Barnard family. The film was developed in conjunction with BBC Films, in partnership with British distributors Curzon Films and TPC, and co-funded by the BFI (National Lottery Funding Award).
“Collaborating with Clio Bernard and her long-time producer Tracy O’Riordan represents a unique opportunity for us to contribute to the growing legacy of this important British filmmaker, while also highlighting her incredible ensemble cast, including recent BIFA award-winning young star Jay Ricago, whose energy and authentic performances immediately resonated with us,” said Carol Balaton, co-founder of Charades.
Executive producers are Bernard, Walsh, Kieran Goddard and Claudia Youssef for BBC Films, Mia Bayes for BFI, Ali Jazayeri and Keith Kehoe for TPC, Louisa Dent and Philip Knatchbull for Curzon Films, Balaton and Lucy Descens for Charese and Jane Moore.
“We’ve admired their passion and expertise for many years, so we’re delighted to be working with Carol and the team at Charades on I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning. We look forward to introducing this beautiful film and incredible ensemble cast to audiences around the world,” said O’Riordan.
