Simon Bird to direct WWII comedy film Pretend I'm Not Here
- Pretend I'm Not Here is a comedy film directed by Simon Bird about a couple who offer refuge to a Jewish perfume salesman during World War II
- Matthew Broderick, Sally Hawkins and Martin Freeman have signed up to appear in the movie
- The story is based on the book Comedy In A Minor Key written by Hans Keilson
Matthew Broderick, Sally Hawkins and Martin Freeman will star in a comedy film about a couple who offer refuge to a Jewish perfume salesman during World War II.
Pretend I'm Not Here is to be directed by The Inbetweeners star Simon Bird, who has previously overseen the 2020 movie Days Of The Bagnold Summer.
Described as a "compelling and comedic exploration of human relationships tested by extraordinary circumstances during WWII", the film's synopsis reads: "An ordinary couple offer refuge to a Jewish perfume salesman during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, where the challenge of cohabitating with a stranger unfolds in unexpected ways."
Produced by Parkville Pictures and Lemming Film with BBC Films, Pretend I'm Not Here has been scripted by Days Of The Bagnold Summer writer Lisa Owens based on Hans Keilson's book Comedy In A Minor Key.
Executive producers Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder say: "Pretend I'm Not Here is a powerful story for our times that explores the nuances of human connection during times of crisis. With a stellar cast and Simon Bird's unique vision, we believe this funny and subversive gem will captivate audiences and spark important conversations."
Production will begin later this year in the UK and the Netherlands.