Race drama tipped as a British Crash

Last updated at 08:19 09 April 2006


A radical movie that explores aspects of poverty, race, inequality and class — some are calling it a British version of Oscar best winner Crash — is about to be shot on the streets of London by the BBC.

Anne-Marie Duff, in contention for a best actress honour for Shameless in the forthcoming Pioneer BAFTA awards, former Spooks actor David Oyelowo, and Colin Firth are among those in delicate negotiations to appear in writer-director Dominic Savage's film.

Savage, an insightful filmmaker who likes to build upon the characters he creates through extensive rehearsals and improvisational sessions, has set his film, which has the working title of The London Project, in a North London hostel for the homeless.

Three of the inhabitants' stories will be inter-linked with that of a middle-class 'do-gooder' who wants to help.

Filming in May

Ms Duff hopes to begin filming in late May or early June, and she would play an 'upper'working-class wife who escapes her abusive husband and goes to the hostel. Mr Oyelowo would take the part of a Nigerian political refugee and

Mr Firth — if he agrees to do the film — the role of a disillusioned businessman. Paul Haggis's movie Crash, which starred Thandie Newton and Matt Dillon, was an early inspiration for The London Project.

'That film had a big impact on Dominic,' one of the actors said.

The film has been developed through the BBC's drama and documentary departments.

Ruth Caleb, one of the corporation's most distinguished producers, is pushing to get it made.

Filming, once contracts are sorted out, should start in late May or early June.

Meanwhile, Mr Oyelowo is heading to New York for the premiere of Sharon Foster's film Shoot The Messenger at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York.

The actor plays a teacher trying to climb out of the abyss after losing his footing on the treacherous rocks that represent life these days.

Most watched News videos