LMH will be hosting its first ever film premiere later this month. Fresh from opening the Palm Springs International Film Festival yesterday, LMH is providing the setting for the first UK screening of the already award-winning Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. Directed by Lasse Hallström (Chocolat, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Dear John), the film stars Hollywood names Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt and Kristin Scott Thomas and is adapted from the acclaimed comic novel by Paul Torday.

The screening on January 15 will feature a drinks reception and Q&A with Academy Award-winning screenwriter Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours, The Full Monty).

LMH is no stranger to film and TV. Most recently the College was occupied for a fortnight whilst an episode of Lewis, the ITV spin-off to Morse, filmed an episode based on a fictional 'Lady Matilda Hall'.

Who knows what the future holds. It is rumoured that Angelina Jolie and Naomi Watts are both lined up to play LMH alumna, Gertrude Bell (1886 History), in competing films associated with heavyweight directors Ridley Scott and Werner Herzog. If the Scott-Jolie project goes ahead, Angelina Jolie (Gone in 60 Seconds, Tomb Raider, Mr and Mrs Smith, A Mighty Heart) may have to decide between playing one of LMH’s most respected alumnae and her other touted lead, Cleopatra. 

The UK premiere of Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is in aid of the Oxford-based Mentoring Service at Refugee Resource. Tickets have gone on sale and are available for the general screening here.

The programme is as follows:

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is on general release in the UK from 9 March. Click here for the trailer.

Article in the Oxford Mail, 09/01/12