‘Alan Partridge’ star Steve Coogan will attend a special IFTA lunchtime event in Dublin next Friday 18th October, at which he will discuss his role alongside Judi Dench in Stephen Frears’ forthcoming ‘Philomena’.
The film follows the true story of Irish woman Philomena Lee (Dench) who enlists the help of ex-BBC journalist Martin Sixsmith (Coogan) in attempting to track down the son she was forced by nuns to give up for adoption 50 years previously.
Praised by critics at this year’s Venice Film Festival, ‘Philomena’ is now considered a frontrunner for this year’s awards season with serious talk of Oscar nominations for its director and cast.
Coogan, who co-wrote the script with Jeff Pope, will explain the process of adapting the story for screen, and talk about his experience working with Oscar-winners Judi Dench and Stephen Frears.
Away from the world of ‘Alan Partridge’, Steve Coogan’s screen credits include ‘24 Hour Party People’, Tristram Shandy: A Cock & Bull Story’ and ‘The Look of Love’.
His production company Baby Cow productions is also behind ‘Moone Boy’, nominated this week for an International Emmy for Best Comedy, in which Coogan starred in season one as Francie 'Touchy' Feeley.
The conversation with Steve Coogan will take place in the Merrion Hotel on Friday 18th October from 1-2pm.
IFTA members can confirm their attendance by sending an email to: membership@ifta.ie
The trailer for ‘Philomena’ can be viewed below: