Pin Cushion, Starring Lily Newmark, Opens Rotterdam International Film Festival

Pin Cushion, has been named the opening film of the 'IFFR Live' section at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, a feature film debut by Deborah Haywood, starring Lily Newmark (the new face of Chanel) and Joanna Scanlan (Bridget Jones's Baby).

Super close mother Lyn, played by Joanna Scanlan, and daughter Iona, played by Lily Newmark, are excited for their new life in a new town.  Determined to make a success of things after a tricky start, Iona becomes 'best friends' with Keely, Stacey and Chelsea

Used to being Iona's bestie herself, Lyn feels left out. So Lyn also makes friends with Belinda, her neighbor. As much as Lyn and Iona pretend to each other that things are going great, things aren't going great for either of them. Both mother and daughter retreat into fantasy and lies.


Critics’ Choice Awards Names “The Shape Of Water” Best Picture

A funny and devastating tale of female friendship, bullying and a unique yet somehow familiar mother-daughter relationship, 'Pin Cushion' confidently flip-flops between an often harsh reality and heart-soaring fantasy.

Pin Cushion retreats to a gothic fairy tale set in the British working-class suburbs.

Early Press reviews are hailing the independent film "stunning," "beautiful" and "heartbreaking." 

Pin Cushion has garnered thee British Independent Film Awards Nominations, opened the Venice International Film Critics Week 2017, and singled out Ms. Newmark as the most promising newcomer. The list of mentions, awards, and nominations are below.


The Alliance Of Women Film Journalists (AWFI) Announces The 2017 EDA Award Winners

The Press: 
"A moving, complex, thoroughly singular debut." - Variety
"A stunning female coming-of-age fantasy." - Indiewire
"A beautiful and thoroughly heartbreaking story. An amazing feature debut." - Screen Anarchy
"Audiences will fall in love with these endearing characters." - Birth Movies Death

The Accolades: 
Venice International Film Critics Week 2017 - Opening Film
Three British Independent Film Awards nominations: 
Most Promising Newcomer (Lily Newmark)
Douglas Hickox Award for Debut Director (Deborah Haywood)
Breakthrough Producer (Gavin Humphries)
Fantastic Fest selection (Austin, TX)
Seville European Film Festival - New Wave Special Mention
Cork Film Festival
Ithaca Film Festival - Jury Award for Best Film
AFI European Union Film Showcase
Madeira Micro Film Festival - Jury Special Mention
Bordeaux International Festival of the Independent Film

Screenings at IFFR (under embargo until January 17!): 
January 26, 9:15 AM @ Doelen Willem Burger (Press & Industry)
January 26, 5:00 PM @ Oude Luxor (Public: IFFR Live opening film)
January 27, 11:00 AM @ Cinerama 1 (Public)
January 30, 8:00 PM @ KINO 1 (Public)
February 1, 6:30 PM @ Pathé 4 (Public)

Information regarding interview opportunities in Rotterdam will follow shortly.

Pin Cushion, has been named the opening film of the 'IFFR Live' section at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, a feature film debut by Deborah Haywood, starring Lily Newmark (the new face of Chanel) and Joanna Scanlan (Bridget Jones's Baby).

Super close mother Lyn, played by Joanna Scanlan, and daughter Iona, played by Lily Newmark, are excited for their new life in a new town.  Determined to make a success of things after a tricky start, Iona becomes ‘best friends’ with Keely, Stacey and Chelsea. 

Used to being Iona’s bestie herself, Lyn feels left out. So Lyn also makes friends with Belinda, her neighbor. As much as Lyn and Iona pretend to each other that things are going great, things aren’t going great for either of them. Both mother and daughter retreat into fantasy and lies.

A funny and devastating tale of female friendship, bullying and a unique yet somehow familiar mother-daughter relationship, 'Pin Cushion' confidently flip-flops between an often harsh reality and heart-soaring fantasy.

Pin Cushion, retreats to a gothic fairy tale set in the British working-class suburbs.

Early Press reviews are hailing the independent film stunning, beautiful and heartbreaking. Pin Cushion has garnered thee British Independent Film Awards Nominations, opened the Venice International Film Critics Week 2017, and singled out Ms. Newmark as the most promising newcomer. The list of mentions, awards, and nominations are below.

The Press: 
"A moving, complex, thoroughly singular debut." - Variety
"A stunning female coming-of-age fantasy." - Indiewire
"A beautiful and thoroughly heartbreaking story. An amazing feature debut." - Screen Anarchy
"Audiences will fall in love with these endearing characters." - Birth Movies Death

The Accolades: 
Venice International Film Critics Week 2017 - Opening Film
Three British Independent Film Awards nominations: 
Most Promising Newcomer (Lily Newmark)
Douglas Hickox Award for Debut Director (Deborah Haywood)
Breakthrough Producer (Gavin Humphries)
Fantastic Fest selection (Austin, TX)
Seville European Film Festival - New Wave Special Mention
Cork Film Festival
Ithaca Film Festival - Jury Award for Best Film
AFI European Union Film Showcase
Madeira Micro Film Festival - Jury Special Mention
Bordeaux International Festival of the Independent Film

 

 

Screenings at IFFR (under embargo until January 17!): 
January 26, 9:15 AM @ Doelen Willem Burger (Press & Industry)
January 26, 5:00 PM @ Oude Luxor (Public: IFFR Live opening film)
January 27, 11:00 AM @ Cinerama 1 (Public)
January 30, 8:00 PM @ KINO 1 (Public)
February 1, 6:30 PM @ Pathé 4 (Public)

 

Information regarding interview opportunities in Rotterdam will follow shortly.
Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for all requests. 

Haute Tease