A feature film about Benjamin Britten, released as part of the 100 year celebrations of his birth. Britten is the most performed British composer worldwide. This film premiered at Gresham's School, which he attended, and focuses on how his life-long pacifism influenced his life and music. Written and directed by Tony Britten (In Love With Alama Cogan), narrated by John Hurt and with a superb cast of young people, including many supporting roles taken by students of Gresham's School, the film weaves dramatisation with a documentary narrative.
Acting
Alex Lawther captures young Britten's simmering intelligence.
Direction
Actual students playing Britten's schoolmates—chaotic but weirdly authentic.
Director
Tony Britten
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
John Hurt recorded his narration while battling cancer—his final documentary voice role before his 2017 death.
Britten's pacifism nearly got him imprisoned in WWII; instead he wrote Peter Grimes, his breakthrough opera, in America as a conscientious objector.
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