1917 producer highlights the importance of remembering war victims ahead of VE Day 2020

1917 is a film which wowed fans, with its incredible shooting style and gorgeous cinematography. It won awards including the Golden Globe for Best Picture – Drama, and reminded fans why we should remember those who sacrificed themselves for us in the First World War. Pippa Harris, BAFTA head and one of the producers of the movie, has exclusively told Express.co.uk why this film is such an important one in the run up to VE Day next month.

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Asked about how the film has connected with fans, Harris revealed it has been impacted fans all over the world in the same way, which has been “extraordinary” to watch.

Harris said: “It’s interesting because obviously we’ve been watching the box office as it’s rolled out around the world and it’s worked in every territory, it’s extraordinary.

“Clearly the First World War here [in the UK] has cast a long shadow and a lot of people have those connections to people who fought.

“But that isn’t the case around the rest of the world and yet still from South Africa to Finland, it’s had a real impact.”

Pippa Harris opens up on 1917 importance

Pippa Harris opens up on 1917 importance (Image: Entertainment One/Getty)

For Harris, it is the human aspects of the film which have struck a chord, and given this May is the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the end of the Second World War, remembering our soldiers and veterans is of particular importance.

Harris continued: “It is a war movie but it’s actually about so many other things than that thematically.

“It’s about the important of home, about the importance of camaraderie, about the desire to serve others which I think is quite an old fashioned concept but has really resonated with people.

“I think they find it incredibly moving, remembering that these young men went off and in many cases sacrificed their lives for something greater than themselves, so I think that’s really connected with audiences around the world.”

Colin Firth in 1917

Colin Firth in 1917 (Image: Entertainment One)

George Mackay in 1917

George Mackay in 1917 (Image: Entertainment One)

At the time of speaking to Harris, No Time to Die had just been postponed due to the coronavirus, but the full effects of COVID-19 on cinemas was unclear.

However, Harris spoke out of how 1917 also had an extra pull in terms of its cinematic style, making it best seen on the biggest screen possible.

Harris added: “I think it’s although we’re not at war ourselves at the moment there are any number conflicts going on around the world so war and the idea of conflict is never far from people’s minds.

“But I think beyond that people also were initially drawn to the film because it felt it was a cinematic experience and something they needed to go to a cinema to properly enjoy.

Pippa Harris with the cast and crew of 1917

Pippa Harris with the cast and crew of 1917 (Image: Getty)

“It was a combination with that and the press surrounding the way it’s been shot, but also the fact that it got lots of awards recognition for visual effects and sound…

“Audiences these days are very sophisticated and they can tell when they think they can maybe wait and see at home on the TV or they need to go out and see on the biggest possible screen with the best possible sound.”

Now cinemas are closed, however, those at home will be able to enjoy the movie on DVD or on digital download, but it may be best to seek out the biggest possible screen.

1917 is out on digital download and DVD and Blu-ray now

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