Cinema release for Seann Walsh movie The Bystander

Comic plays a flawed guardian angel in his first feature film lead

A UK release date has been set for The Bystanders, the new comedy film starring Seann Walsh as a flawed guardian angel.

It will hit cinemas nationwide from November 3 with advance screenings in Manchester, Brighton and London featuring Q&As with director Gabriel Foster Prior.

The Bystanders is described as an ‘off-the-wall sci-fi comedy set in a parallel dimension - a world in which invisible immortals watch over their subjects and intervene in their lives, often not for the better. Filled with mysterious moments it mixes surrealism with retro sci-fi and classic silent comedy set-pieces to create a wry satire on modern city life.’

A new theatrical trailer has also been released:

It co-stars Scott Haran, Andi Jashy and Georgia Mabel Clarke in her screen debut, while the cast also includes Nick Helm, Lucy Pinder, and Marek Larwood.

The film had its world premiering on opening night of the Austin Film Festival last year where it was made a staff pick – and at the Sci-Fi London film festival this summer it won the audience award for best feature. Walsh, who is making his first lead role in a feature film, was named best actor award at the Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival in August.

Alan Byron, managing director of distributors Screenbound said: ‘By releasing the film theatrically on its home turf, we are giving UK audiences an opportunity to experience the energy, imagination and inventiveness of a talented first-time director on the big screen.

‘Gabriel’s vision has created a truly unique world and we look forward to rolling it out in cinemas soon.’

Foster Prior, who co-wrote the film with Jack Hughes, added: ‘Cinemas are magic places, and I am very excited to be screening The Bystanders across the UK. At a film festival in Mexico, there was a line of fans asking for my autograph, so hopefully there will be more of that too.’

Running at 94 minutes, The Bystanders was produced by Waggon & Horses Productions which previously made The Drunk, also starring Walsh.

Special Preview Q&A screenings:

Everyman Manchester St. Johns, Manchester
Tuesday 17th October 6:15pm - TICKETS HERE
Q&A with director Gabriel Foster Prior and producer Luisa Riviere.

Duke of York’s Picturehouse, Brighton
Wednesday 18th October 8pm - TICKETS HERE
Q&A with director Gabriel Foster Prior and graphic designer James ‘Foz’ Foster, VFX artist Frank Foster and editor Will Steer.

Rio Cinema, London
Friday 3rd November 6:45pm - TICKETS HERE
Q&A with director Gabriel Foster Prior and cast members Scott Haran, Andi Jashy, Georgia Mabel Clarke, Lauren Douglin and David Schaal.

Published: 10 Oct 2023