MUBI acquires Andrea Arnold’s Bird for UK and Ireland ahead of Cannes premiere

MUBI has acquired the rights to Andrea Arnold’s latest film, Bird, for distribution in the UK and Ireland. The film, which stars Barry Keoghan and Franz Rogowski, is set to make its world premiere in competition at the Cannes Film Festival.

Directed and written by Academy Award-winner Andrea Arnold, Bird features BAFTA-winner and Academy Award nominee Barry Keoghan, Gotham Award nominee Franz Rogowski, and newcomers Nykiya Adams and Jason Buda. The film, produced by House Productions, was shot in the Kent area and explores life on the fringes of society, a recurring theme in Arnold’s work.

Bird follows the story of 12-year-old Bailey, who lives with his single father Bug and brother Hunter in a squat in North Kent. As Bailey approaches puberty, he seeks attention and adventure outside his dysfunctional home environment.

The film’s production team includes Director of Photography Robbie Ryan, Editor Joe Bini, Casting Director Lucy Pardee, Production Designer Maxine Carlier and Costume Designer Alex Bovaird. The project was financed by BBC Film, the BFI (with National Lottery funding), Pinky Promise, FirstGen Content and Access Entertainment. 

Further details about the UK and Ireland release of Bird will be announced in the coming months. MUBI’s recent and upcoming releases include Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance, Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla and Aki Kaurismäki’s Fallen Leaves.

The editorial unit
Image: Atsushi Nishijima

Bird does not have a release date yet.