David Farnor | On 17, May 2024

Andrea Arnold’s Bird is flying to MUBI in the UK and Ireland.

The film, which premiered this week In Competition at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, is written and directed by the Fish Tank and American Honey helmer.

It stars Barry Keoghan (Banshees of Inisherin, Saltburn), Franz Rogowski (Passages, Great Freedom, Transit), and newcomers Nykiya Adams and Jason Buda. It follows 12-year-old Bailey, who lives with her single dad, Bug, and brother, Hunter, in a squat in North Kent. Bug doesn’t have much time for his kids and Bailey who is approaching puberty seeks attention and adventure elsewhere.

The project was produced by House Productions (The Iron Claw, The Wonder) and was filmed in the UK around the Kent area. As with Arnold’s previous work, it is an examination of life in the fringes of society. It sees her reunite with DoP Robbie Ryan (American Honey) and editor Joe Bini (American Honey) as well as costume designer Alex Bovaird (The White Lotus, American Honey).

MUBI’s deal also marks a reunion between Arnold and the distributor, streaming service and production company, after Arnold’s documentary, Cow, was distributed by the company in multiple territories. MUBI has acquired all rights to Bird in the UK and Ireland.

Bird is a House Productions film and is produced by Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell and Lee Groombridge. Financiers include BBC Film, the BFI (awarding National Lottery funding), Pinky Promise, FirstGen Content and Access Entertainment.

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