EXCLUSIVE: Octogenerian Mike Leigh isn’t slowing down in terms of output. The acclaimed British filmmaker is currently enjoying strong notices for new film Hard Truths, which recently debuted at TIFF and is playing this week at the London Film Festival.
Leigh took part in a Deadline Contenders panel in London this morning during which he dismissed any talk of retirement and confirmed that he is planning to shoot another movie next year.
“We’re planning to make the next movie in 2025. We’re raising the money now.”
The seven-time Oscar nominee wouldn’t be drawn on the subject or creatives involved in the project but Leigh often works with a team including producer Georgina Lowe and DoP Dick Pope.
In a recent interview Leigh admitted that the filmmaking process has become more physically challenging: “It’s a challenge physically. My cinematographer, Dick Pope, who I’ve worked with ever since Life Is Sweet, had major heart surgery just before we started shooting [Hard Truths].”
Leigh was joined on stage in London by stars of Hard Truths Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Michele Austin, both of whom have drawn praise for their turns in the comedic family drama. Lead Jean-Baptiste has been widely tipped as an Oscar contender. The Brit previously scored Academy and BAFTA nominations for Leigh’s 1996 film Secrets & Lies.
Hard Truths follows Pansey (Jean-Baptiste), a woman on the verge of mental collapse, navigating her life with a volatile mix of vulnerability and rage. She lives with her husband, Curtley (David Webber), and their adult son, Moses (Tuwaine Barrett), who have both become numb to her unpredictable, often vicious behavior. Her sister, Chantal (Michele Austin), represents the opposite — joyful and resilient, raising her two daughters with a positive outlook. She’s the only person who can genuinely empathize with Pansey’s pain.
Leigh’s previous Academy nominations include best director for Secrets & Lies (1996) and Vera Drake (2004), with additional original screenplay nods for Topsy-Turvy (1999), Happy-Go-Lucky (2008), and Another Year (2010).
Hard Truths is Leigh’s 15th feature. The film will be released in the U.S. by Bleecker Street on Dec. 6.
