Full Breakdown
Production Begins on "A Town in Nova Scotia"
1/28/2026, 8:53:21 PM
Overview of the Film
Production on Babak Jalali's feature film "A Town in Nova Scotia" commenced earlier this month in and around Liverpool. The film stars Bill Nighy as Leon, a widowed man residing in a block of council flats, and Makram J Khoury as his best friend Saleh. The narrative centers on Leon's struggle with his daughter's recent plea for him to move to Canada, juxtaposed against his deep-rooted friendship with Saleh.
Key Figures Involved
Babak Jalali, an Iranian-British director, is known for his previous works, including "Radio Dreams," which won the Hivos Tiger Award at the Rotterdam Film Festival in 2016, and "Fremont," which premiered at Sundance in 2023 and earned him the John Cassavetes Award at the Independent Spirit Awards in 2024. Jalali co-wrote "A Town in Nova Scotia" with Carolina Cavalli, who has collaborated with him on past projects.
Bill Nighy, a BAFTA-winning actor recognized for roles in films such as "Love Actually" and "About Time," leads the cast. Makram J Khoury, known for his performances in "Munich" and "The Master and Margarita," plays a pivotal role as Saleh.
Production Team and Financing
The film is produced by Naïma Abed and Émilie Georges for Paradise City, alongside Jennifer Monks for The Fold. Financial backing comes from several sources, including BBC Film, the British Film Institute (BFI), the Liverpool Film Office through the LCR Production Fund, Calculus, Hoopsa Films, and Desmar. The executive producers include Kristin Irving for BBC Film, Ama Ampadu for the BFI, and Christopher Moll for the Liverpool Film Office, among others.
Filming Locations
Filming has taken place in various locations around Liverpool, including New Brighton and Wallasey. Nighy has been spotted on-site, contributing to the film's local authenticity and connection to the community.
Official Statements & Responses
The production team has expressed excitement about the film's development, highlighting its emotional depth and the strong performances from the cast. The collaboration between Jalali and Cavalli is anticipated to bring a unique narrative perspective to the screen.
Criticism & Opposition
While the film has garnered attention for its cast and crew, there has been limited public critique at this stage. As production progresses, responses from audiences and critics will likely emerge, particularly regarding the film's themes and portrayal of its characters.
What's Next
As filming continues, further updates on the film's progress and release date are expected. The collaboration between established and emerging talents in the film industry will be closely monitored as "A Town in Nova Scotia" moves toward completion.
