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Cannes Debut: Barnard’s “I See Buildings” Highlights Birmingham Class Divide

5/21/2026

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Summary

Barnard Premieres Cannes

Clio Barnard’s film I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning premiered at Cannes 2026 Directors’ Fortnight.
Enda Walsh adapted the movie from Keiran Goddard’s 2024 novel about class inequality.
Barnard shot on Birmingham council-estate homes and clubs, employing local residents as background artists.
Lola Petticrew portrays Shiv and Anthony Boyle portrays Patrick.
Keiran Goddard serves as executive producer while the film seeks U.S. distribution.

Summary

Conor Pitches

The film frames the characters’ struggles within a discussion that treats housing as a right versus an asset.
Conor McCormack, an expectant father, pitches a construction project to his friend Rian after learning of Rian’s inheritance.
Rian, who made his wealth trading stock warrants, lives in a London flat and dates a woman called “Kate Middleton”.
Patrick cycles as a food-delivery rider and complains that capitalism exploits workers like him.

History

Historical Context

Margaret Thatcher’s 1980 Housing Act, administered by Environment Secretary Michael Heseltine, gave council tenants a 33-50% discount to buy their homes, sparking the sale of roughly 2 million council houses by 2024 and curtailing new construction. Barnard’s 2026 Cannes drama, shot on Birmingham estates, revisits that legacy, contrasting delivery riders with investors amid renewed calls to rethink post-Thatcher housing policy.

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Barnard Premieres Cannes

Clio Barnard’s film I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning premiered at Cannes 2026 Directors’ Fortnight.
Enda Walsh adapted the movie from Keiran Goddard’s 2024 novel about class inequality.
Barnard shot on Birmingham council-estate homes and clubs, employing local residents as background artists.
Lola Petticrew portrays Shiv and Anthony Boyle portrays Patrick.
Keiran Goddard serves as executive producer while the film seeks U.S. distribution.

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