An unprecedentedly candid film about the trials and tribulations of the life of the late popular politician Tony Benn will be making its debut at Manchester Town Hall.
Prior to the October 8 cinema release of Will and Testament, distributor Praslin Pictures are hosting a series of special event screenings at 9 town halls around the country in honour of Mr Benn, who was the longest serving Labour MP in history.
The Will and Testament Screening Tour will begin in Manchester on September 8 and all screenings will be followed by exclusive audience Q&A session and panel discussion featuring friends, colleagues and supporters of Mr Benn’s legacy.
Mr Benn participated extensively in the making of the autobiographical film, which was completed before his death in March of this year, at the age of 88.
Will and Testament is a remarkable warts-and-all insight into one of the most distinguished political careers, presenting Mr Benn’s own personal reflections on his childhood, youth and marriage aswell as family, career and retirement through confessional interviews.
These interviews are illustrated by personal photographic and film archives, revealed for the first time.
Never before has a political figure of his calibre spoken to camera in such a revealing and direct manner.
The film charts the experiences of Mr Benn across the UK as he witnesses the major social and political upheavals and events that influenced his beliefs and his personal life.
Will and Testament examines Mr Benn’s compelling reactions to the introduction of nuclear power stations, his move to the left-wing of politics and his fight against the Conservative Government during the miner’s strike.
His personal battle in renouncing his peerage and becoming a reviled figure in the right-wing media is also covered in the tell-all documentary.
The film also promises to lift the political mask and reveal the human heart behind the resilient socialist campaigner.
Whether you are a supporter of Benn’s vehemently-voiced views or one of his detractors, such a revealing and honest account of a colourful political life is a rare occurrence.
His ardent socialist convictions are central to the film and even his opponents would not disagree with the fact he stuck to his convictions throughout his career. In Will and Testament Mr Benn will examine and re-examine those convictions
It is an eye-opening, yet painful exploration of the great themes of life that affects us all and Benn himself, including love, loss, hopes, dreams, fears and death, which helps the audience relate to such a political colossus.
When asked before his death during the production of the film about how he would like to be remembered, Mr Benn replied in typical style.
He said: “When I die, if they put on my gravestone the simple words ‘Tony Benn, he encouraged people’ would say that was a fitting justification of what I did.”
With compelling insight that is ever so rare in British politics, Will and Testament promises to fulfil Benn’s legacy to inspire and encourage.
Tickets for the Manchester Town Hall screening are priced at £12.50 (Under 16 £7.50)
Further details available here.
Image courtesy of TonyBennFilm via YouTube with thanks
