EXCLUSIVE: Filmmaker Dionne Edwards debuts her first feature Pretty Red Dress at the London Film Festival later this week. Today, Deadline can share a first-look clip from the film, starring singer Alexandra Burke.
Written and directed by Edwards, the film is billed as a “funny look at society’s boxes” told through the story of Travis, Candice, and their daughter Kenisha and their relationships with the same red dress. For Travis, the dress is a peace offering to Candice. For Candice, it’s her audition outfit for a Tina Turner musical and a ticket to a different life. For Kenisha, it’s symbolic of a kind of femininity she doesn’t get; she relates to her masculine dad. So when Travis is discovered wearing the dress, it sends the family spinning.
Discussing the genesis of her idea for the film, Edwards said: “I wanted to take an ordinary domestic situation and make it thrilling and cinematic. In the end, I hope we understand the three characters and their motivations more deeply so that we can relate them to our own experiences. I hope audiences will come out feeling looser, freer, and that the film creates room for wider discussions on the idea that we are not one thing. We are so many things.
British singer and former X-Factor contestant Alexandra Burke stars as Candice. The film is produced by Georgia Goggin. Executive producers are Farhana Bhula, Eva Yates, Jim Reeve, Robert Halmi, and Bennett McGhee.
Additional credits include cinematography by Adam Scarth, editing by Andonis Trattos, production design by Phoebe Platman, hair and makeup design by Billie McKenzie, and costume design by NirageMirage and Jayne Hemsley. The film’s music was composed by Hugo Brijs.
The film is produced by Georgia Goggin (Teng Teng Films). Executive Producers are Farhana Bhula, Eva Yates, Jim Reeve, Robert Halmi, and Bennett McGee. Developed in association with BBC Films with the support of the BFI’s Film Fund.
Protagonist Pictures is handling international sales. Check out the full clip above.
