In conversation with Joanna Scanlan, After Love

After Love tells the story of Mary Hussain (Joanna Scanlan), who converted to Islam when she married and now is in her early 60s, living quietly in Dover with her husband Ahmed. Following his unexpected death, she discovers that Ahmed had a secret life just twenty-one miles away, across the Channel in Calais. The shocking discovery compels her to go there to find out more, and as she grapples with her shattered sense of identity, her search for understanding has surprising consequences.

Joining us is the film’s lead actress, Joanna Scanlan, to share her experiences working on the film with host, Briony Hanson. She’ll discuss her research and preparation for the role of Mary Hussain, offering insight to her acting process. Joanna will also be talking about her journey in the industry, from transitioning her career to acting at 35 to setting up her own production company, George & George.

Attendees will also be offered the option to select a ticket to view After Love. A link and access code will be shared ahead of the event. To receive a screening link, you must book a ticket by 12:00 on Friday 7 January.

Joanna Scanlan

Most recently on the big screen, Joanna led Aleem Khan’s magnificent debut feature, After Love. Her performance saw her win Best Actress awards at the 2021 BIFAs and the Thessaloniki International Film Festival 2020 respectively, along with ‘Actress of the Year’ and ‘British/Irish Actress of the Year (for body of work)’ nominations at the London Critics’ Circle Awards. Other film credits include How to Build a Girl, Pin Cushion and How to Talk to Girls at Parties. Joanna is known for appearing in some of the best television series of the past decade, including the BBC’s award-winning comedies The Thick of It, Little Britain, and Rev. Among her other successes is Joanna’s critically acclaimed dark satirical drama Getting On, which she starred and co-wrote with Jo Brand and Vicki Pepperdine, earning her a BAFTA TV nomination for ‘Best Female Performance in a Comedy’ and a BAFTA Television Craft nomination for screenwriting in both 2011 and 2013. On stage, Joanna has worked with Thea Sharrock in her production of Cloud 9 at the Almeida Theatre and Top Girls, with Rufus Norris in Vernon God Little at The Young Vic and featured in Polly Teale’s Madame Bovery. Joanna has a production company with Vicki Pepperdine called George & George Co and is responsible for the Sex Lives project on Instagram.

Event Schedule:

17:55: Please join the webinar waiting room

18:00: Host to lead conversation

18:45: Audience Q&A

19:00: Finish

How will the online event work?

This event will be live streamed via Zoom.us. Viewing details will be sent via your confirmation.

Attending participants will not be visible to others and will be muted throughout the session. After the talk, there will be an opportunity for audience members to ask their questions to the panel by using the Q&A feature.

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