IVF film 'Joy' has world premiere at BFI London Film Festival

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This year's Cunard Gala at the 68th BFI London Film Festival will open with the world premiere of Joy with Bill Nighy, James Norton and Thomasin McKenzie.

The cast of Joywhich tells the true story behind the world's first “test tube baby”, born in 1978, will be present, the LFF also confirmed.

Told through the lens of Jean Purdy (McKenzie), a young nurse and embryologist, who joins forces with scientist Robert Edwards (Norton) and surgeon Patrick Steptoe (Nighy) to solve the puzzle of infertility by pioneering in vitro fertilization (IVF). “The period drama celebrates the power of perseverance and the wonder of science as it follows this unconventional trio of visionaries who overcame enormous odds and opposition to realize their dream, and in doing so, allowed millions of people to dream with them,” the plot synopsis reads.

Bill Nighy, Thomasin McKenzie, James Norton in 'Joy'.

Netflix/Kerry Brown

Director Ben Taylor (Sex education, Cardinal Burns) said: “I am truly honored that my debut film, Joywill have its world premiere at this year's BFI London Film Festival. This is a far too little-known British scientific success story and it seems fitting to celebrate these three maverick pioneers, and their groundbreaking innovation in IVF, here at home.”

“Joy “It’s a very personal story for me, as I’m sure it will be for many of our viewers,” Taylor continued. “But beyond the personal, I hope this film will resonate even more today, when infertility and issues of choice are so much in the spotlight.”

BFI London Film Festival Director Kristy Matheson added: “We are honoured to present the world premiere of Joy. It is a beautifully made film, with extraordinary performances from start to finish, and we have no doubt that audiences will be as moved as we are by this inspiring and true story and the lasting impact it has had on so many.”

Joywritten by Jack Thorne and Rachel Mason, will have its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on Tuesday 15 October at the Royal Festival Hall, London’s Southbank Centre, which runs from 9-20 October.

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