KulBritania - Morrissey biopic to close Edinburgh Film Festival

The Edinburgh International Film Festival has set the world premiere of Mark Gill’s “England is Mine” as the closing night film of its 71st edition, the festival announced Thursday.

A biopic based on the early life of singer, and former Smiths frontman, Morrissey, “England is Mine” stars rising British actor Jack Lowden, soon to be seen in Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk,” and “Downton Abbey” actress Jessica Brown Findlay.

“Morrissey is one of Britain’s most iconic artists, and this delve into his formative years is a witty and enthralling look at a great music talent,” said Edinburgh’s artistic director Mark Adams.

England is Mine” marks the feature debut of British filmmaker Gill, who received Oscar and BAFTA nominations for his 2013 short film “The Voorman Problem,” which starred Martin Freeman and Tom Hollander. It is produced by Baldwin Li and Orian Williams. Williams previously produced Anton Corbijn’s music biopic “Control,” about Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis.

The festival will open with the UK premiere of Francis Lee’s gay love story “God’s Own Country,” which was announced earlier this week.

The Edinburgh International Film Festival runs June 21-July 2. The full program for this year’s edition will be announced May 31.