Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day Premieres at SXSW London
6 verified5 unconfirmed2 contested
The film “Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day” had its world premiere as the opening night selection of the SXSW London film strand at the Barbican Centre. Based on the novel by Virginia Woolf, the period drama follows a young female astronomer determined to avoid marriage and pursue her scientific passions. The cast includes Haley Bennett, Jack Whitehall, and Timothy Spall, with direction credited to Tina Gharavi. Screenwriter and producer Justine Waddell was also involved in the project. The premiere drew attendees from the cast and crew, though reports differ on whether certain co-stars were present. The film is set in 1910 and centers on protagonist Katharine Hilbery’s struggle against societal expectations.
What’s verified
“Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day” had its world premiere as the opening film of the SXSW London film strand.
The premiere was held at the Barbican Centre in London.
The film stars Haley Bennett, Jack Whitehall, and Timothy Spall.
The film is based on the novel “Night and Day” by Virginia Woolf.
The film was directed by Tina Gharavi (also reported as Tina Ghavari).
Screenwriter and producer Justine Waddell was involved in the project.
Where accounts differ
The attendance of actress Lily Allen at the premiere is disputed. One source states she was on the red carpet and on stage; another source reports she did not appear on the pink carpet.
The spelling of the director’s surname differs between sources: one uses “Ghavari” while another uses “Gharavi.”
Not yet confirmed
Which cast members attended the premiere beyond Bennett, Whitehall, and Spall is based on single-source reports. One source names Misia Butler and Sally Phillips as attendees; another mentions Jennifer Saunders and Lily Allen, but their presence is contradicted.
The plot detail that the protagonist becomes involved in the Suffragette movement appears in only one source.
Distribution details—U.K. release by Vue Lumiere and U.S. acquisition by Quiver—are reported by only one source.
Specific comments from the cast and crew, including references to John Hughes films, are only found in one source.
The dates of SXSW London 2026 (June 1-6) and other premiering films are mentioned by only one source.
Key figures
Haley Bennett, Jack Whitehall, Timothy Spall, Tina Gharavi (also reported as Tina Ghavari), Justine Waddell
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
