Sean Connery Tessa Hartman Sacha Hartman - H 2012
Scotland is coming to wine country in April.
The Sonoma International Film Festival, which runs April 11-15, will host the U.S. premiere of Sir Billi, the first full-length animated feature produced entirely in Scotland. The retired Sir Sean Connery voices the title role, a skateboarding grandfather and veterinarian trying to save the last beaver in Scotland with the help of his goat Gordon, voiced by Alan Cumming.
Sascha Hartmann directed the CGI project from a screenplay written by his wife Tessa Hartmann. John Fraser produced the film, with Connery serving as executive producer. Oscar-nominated Scottish composer Patrick Doyle (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) created the film’s music score, and Dame Shirley Bassey performs the song “Guardian of the Highlands.”
“We are thrilled to host the U.S. premiere of Sir Billi featuring the powerfully dynamic voice of Sir Sean Connery,” said festival director Kevin McNeely. “Tessa and Sascha Hartmann have produced a highly entertaining, family oriented film that sizzles with fun, non-stop action and an awesome title track sung by Dame Shirley Bassey, which was composed by Sascha. Bring on the Scots!”
Sir Billi will screen at the 1930s Renaissance-style Sebastiani Theatre April 13.
“I’m excited to be a part of this incredible film and Scotland’s first animated feature,” said Connery. “Sir Billi is truly a first-class film, with an exceptional cast, and is sure to delight audiences of all ages. There’s an incredible amount of work that goes into animated productions and I am delighted that Sascha and his team have completed what has been a labour of love.”
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