The stage is set for the commencement of filming for ‘The Boy at the Back of the Class,’ featuring the talented Laura Haddock, in the heart of London on the last day of the year, December 30. The film revolves around the life of a 9-year-old girl, Alexa, who along with her schoolmates, extends a warm welcome to a new boy in class, Ahmet. As they get to know him better, they learn about his refugee status and his separation from his family. Touched by his story, Alexa and her friends embark on a mission to reunite Ahmet with his family.
Stephen Herek, the man behind the camera, is expected to weave a narrative that underscores the values of compassion and friendship while also shedding light on the refugee crisis. With a rich portfolio of diverse projects like ‘Dog Gone,’ ‘Mr. Holland’s Opus,’ and ‘101 Dalmatians,’ Herek’s expertise will undoubtedly bring a unique perspective to the film. The movie is a screen adaptation of a book bearing the same title, penned by Onjali Q. Raúf. Interestingly, Raúf is also part of the film’s writing team, alongside Tim John, which promises a faithful rendition of the original story.
The film boasts a star-studded cast, with Laura Haddock, known for her roles in the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ series and Netflix’s ‘The Recruit,’ leading the pack. The ensemble also includes Jason Isaacs, who famously portrayed Lucius Malfoy in the ‘Harry Potter’ series and Mr. Darling in ‘Peter Pan.’ The cast is further enriched by the presence of acclaimed actresses Vanessa Redgrave and Freida Pinto.
While the film’s production is set to kick off this year, the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike might cause some scheduling hiccups. London, with its rich history and filmmaker-friendly environment, continues to be a favored filming location, hosting recent projects like ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,’ ‘Barbie,’ and Wes Anderson’s ‘The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar.’
As of now, the film is in its pre-production phase, and a specific release date is yet to be announced. However, fans can expect a sneak peek into the movie with the release of trailers and teasers. As the cast and crew work tirelessly to bring this exciting project to life, movie buffs have something to look forward to in the coming months.