Filming Begins for ‘The Arrival’ Featuring Kingsley Ben-Adir

The feature film The Arrival, directed by Bijan Sheibani, has completed shooting in London. The film marks Sheibani’s debut in feature filmmaking after establishing a successful career in theatre. The cast includes notable actors such as Kingsley Ben-Adir, Archie Madekwe, Joanna Scanlan, and Alex Descas.

Based on Sheibani’s acclaimed stage play, The Arrival explores complex themes of identity, obsession, and betrayal. The narrative centers on two estranged brothers, Raheem (played by Madekwe) and Tom (portrayed by Ben-Adir), who reunite as adults. Tom, the elder sibling, was surrendered for adoption shortly after birth. The film captures the profound experience of meeting a blood relative for the first time, revealing the emotional journey as the brothers confront their intertwined past and the challenging decisions made by their parents, played by Scanlan and Descas.

Creative Team and Production Details

Sheibani not only directs the film but also wrote the screenplay. His previous accolades include an Olivier Award for his work in theatre. Recently, he directed Till the Stars Come Down for the National Theatre, a production that moved to the Theatre Royal Haymarket. His other notable works include Dance Nation at the Almeida Theatre and Barber Shop Chronicles at the National Theatre.

The film has been developed in collaboration with Film4, alongside DMC Film and House Productions. The project received co-financing from Film4 and the British Film Institute (BFI), with Cornerstone handling worldwide sales.

Producers include Tessa Ross from House Productions, Juliette Howell, and Theo Barrowclough, along with Michael Fassbender, Daniel Emmerson, and Conor McCaughan from DMC Film. Nell Green also contributes as a producer, with David Kimbangi serving as the executive producer for Film4 and Ama Ampadu for the BFI.

Anticipation for Release

Shooting for The Arrival took place across the UK during the summer of 2023. Ampadu, Senior Production and Development Executive at the BFI, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “In The Arrival, Bijan Sheibani is bringing his unique voice and style to create a film that deftly explores issues of identity and roads not taken.”

With a talented cast and an experienced team behind the camera, The Arrival is poised to be a gripping and heartfelt debut feature that resonates with audiences. As the film transitions from production to post-production, anticipation builds for its release, promising a profound exploration of familial bonds and the complexities of identity.