Juno Films has bought the North American rights to The Extraordinary Miss Flower, the new film from Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard. The movie tells the story of Geraldine Flower, whose collection of love letters from the 1960s and 1970s inspired Icelandic singer-songwriter Emilíana Torrini to return to the studio. It is a performance documentary, part film, part theatre, part fever dream, and it stars Torrini herself.
The film launches in New York City and Los Angeles in early 2027 with live Q&As with Torrini. After that, it moves to a digital release across multiple channels. The deal was announced exclusively on Deadline.
The Story Behind the Letters
Geraldine Flower lived in London in the 1960s and 1970s. She received a suitcase of love letters during that time. When Torrini read them, she was inspired to start making music again after a period away from it.
The film draws directly on those letters. It mixes specially designed performances by Torrini with dramatic scenes and readings from the letters themselves. Well-known actors and musicians read from the letters throughout the film.
The Cast Reading the Letters
The supporting cast is full of familiar names. Here is the list:
- Richard Ayoade
- Siggi Baldursson
- Nick Cave
- Alice Lowe
- Mark Monero
- Niall Murphy
- Angus Sampson
Sophie Ellis-Bextor provides the voice of the film. Choreographer Kate Coyne performs alongside Viva Seifert and Saeed Esmaeli.
The film was shot at Distillery II studio near Bristol. Zoe Flower produces, with Andy Starke as co-producer. Ben Wheatley, Beth Earl and Anna Hildur Hildibrandsdottir serve as executive producers.
Business Iceland brought the film to the attention of Juno Films via the Taste of Iceland festival.
What the Film Actually Is
The Extraordinary Miss Flower is not a conventional documentary. It is a hybrid experimental film that blends live performance with cinematic storytelling. The film takes the form of a series of specially designed performances by Torrini, combined with dramatic scenes and readings from letters by well-known actors and musicians.
The result is a film that feels like a live event, even when it is playing on a screen. It is part film, part theatre, part fever dream, according to the description.
The Juno Team’s Statement
Vondah Elizabeth Sheldon, CEO and co-founder of Juno Films, spoke about the acquisition in a statement. She praised the film’s creative approach and its central theme.
“Juno Films is extraordinarily pleased to be partnering with Iain Forsyth, Jane Pollard, Emiliana Torrini, Zoe Flower and their team on the North American release of this hybrid experimental film that is ultimately a heartfelt love letter to the enduring power of creativity and friendship,” she said.
She noted that the film uses love letters to inspire its creation, just as Torrini was inspired to return to composing after reading the letters. That, she said, brings to life the power of creativity across platforms, eras and generations.
The Live Element
The New York City and Los Angeles theatrical launch is a significant part of the release strategy. The live Q&A sessions with Torrini will give audiences a chance to hear directly from the star.
This is a film built around a personal story, and the live element lets that intimacy carry over from the screen to the room.
The Digital Release Plan
After the New York City and Los Angeles theatrical launch, the film moves to a digital release across multiple channels.
The digital release follows the theatrical launch, giving audiences who missed the live shows a chance to see the film on their own terms.
The film is a strange and singular work. It mixes specially designed performances by its star with dramatic readings from letters by a host of well-known actors and musicians. That combination makes it a strange and singular piece of work.
The Production Team
Sam Dyson and Distiller Music support and back the film. Zoe Flower produces, with Andy Starke as co-producer. Ben Wheatley, Beth Earl and Anna Hildur Hildibrandsdottir are the executive producers.
Business Iceland brought the film to the attention of Juno Films via the Taste of Iceland festival.
The Creative Team’s History
Forsyth and Pollard are known for their work together. They made Broken English and 20,000 Days on Earth, and now they have turned their attention to Geraldine Flower and her letters.
Their previous films dealt with artists and their work. This one continues that tradition.
Comparing the Two Releases
| Detail | Theatrical Launch | Digital Release |
|---|---|---|
| Location | New York City and Los Angeles | Across multiple channels |
| Format | Live events with Q&As | Onscreen viewing |
| Timing | Early 2027 | Follows the theatrical launch |
| Star presence | Torrini appears live | Viewers watch the film |
The theatrical launch with live Q&As gives audiences a chance to meet Torrini face to face. The digital release follows, reaching a wider audience later.
The film is a heartfelt love letter to the enduring power of creativity and friendship, according to Sheldon’s statement. That is a fitting description for a film built on love letters.
It is a film worth watching, and it is coming to screens soon.
Source material: “Juno Films Takes North American Rights To ‘The Extraordinary Miss Flower’,” Deadline.
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