8. 4. 2020

The Star of the Oscar-winning Film 1917 Has a Message for Zlín Film Festival Fans

In 2015, the British actor George MacKay came to Zlin; he was as yet unknown to Czech. He had already appeared in a number of films though. Yet, it was not until last year when he got to experience what real fame feels like. That was when the director Sam Mendes chose both him and the young Game of Thrones series star Dean-Charles Chapman for his "1917" war epic which has been awarded Golden Globes as well as Oscars.

As a child actor he debuted in the film version of Peter Pan (2003) and he also appeared alongside such stars as Clive Owen in The Boys Are Back (2009) and Saoirse Ronan in How I Live Now (2013). Yet, it was not until last year when he got to experience what real fame feels like. That was when the director Sam Mendes chose both him and the young Game of Thrones series star Dean-Charles Chapman for his "1917" war epic which has been awarded Golden Globes as well as Oscars.

Watch his video greeting here.

“I chose George MacKay as a Young Star of the 55th Zlín Film Festival after having seen the independent film Bypass (2014), in which he dazzled me with his performance. When I learned that he had accepted the invitation to Zlín, I was both happy and curious to see what this already experienced actor was going to be like in person. And then, the festival saw the arrival of this very likeable and shy young man, without any celebrity demands whatsoever, who was willing to face all of the press conferences, meetings and debates on the films Bypass and Sunshine on Leith. With both enthusiasm and kindness, he was willing to have his pictures taken with visitors regardless the place and time. My most beautiful memory goes back my interview with him, which was done for the festival television broadcast and took place on the lawn in front of the Congress Center. It was like talking to a friend about our common passion – films. At the end of the half-hour interview he mentioned he had been struggling with hay fever.J Yet, as a great professional, he kept going throughout the interview without any complaints or requests to take a break. Since then, George MacKay has been a loyal fan of our festival and we have been in regular contact. I hope to see him again in Zlín. This time as a big star,"

reflects ZFF's programmer Jaroslava Hynštová on meeting George MacKay.

What he said about himself at the 55th Zlín Film Festival you can watch here.

George MacKay filmography:

Peter Pan (2003)

The Boys Are Back (2009)

For Those in Peril (2013)

Sun Over Leith (2013)

How I Live Now (2013)

Pride (2014)

Bypass (2014)

Captain Fantastic (2016)

Ophelia (2018)