Eye For Film >> News >> Antonia Bird dies at 54

Antonia Bird dies at 54

Tributes paid to Ravenous director.

by Jennie Kermode

The film and theatre director Antonia Bird has died at the age of 54 from anaplastic thyroid cancer. Also known for her television work, she was much admired for her intense, realistic films, including Priest, Mad Love and Face, for which she won a BAFTA. She also worked extensively in television, making her mark in series like Casualty.

Best known internationally for Ravenous, Bird worked extensively with Robert Carlyle, with whom she, Mark Cousins and Irvine Welsh set up the production company 4-Way Film. The actor has described her as one of his closest friends and paid tribute to her on Twitter, saying: "Such a sad day today. RIP Antonia Bird. Farewell my beautiful friend."

Share this with others on...

Movies out this week include:

Arrietty By Design Case 137 Children Of The Wicker Man Dracula Fatherland Forever Is Now NAZA The Others Scream Winter Of The Crow
News

Expanding the possible Fernanda Salgado on fantasy, reality, Jan Švankmajer and Ana, En Passant

A burning thing Sneha Mehta and Teddy Stern on falling in love with Mumbai, and making Getar Hero

Nothing is impossible Paul Rowley on moving to New York, the Pulse massacre, and Gays Against Guns

‘The only thing that makes a story universal is emotions’ Warsaw’s Industry panel discuss reaching audiences abroad

The only thing worth saying Chuko and Arie Esiri on adapting Mrs Dalloway and making Clarissa

European Film Academy shortlist announced 68 features vie for nomination

More news and features

News
Festival Image

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the London Film Festival and Newfest.



We're looking forward to the Belfast Film Festival, Halloween Frightfest, the Cheltenham International Film Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.



We've recently brought you coverage of the New York Film Festival, Grimmfest, Beyond Fest, the San Sebastian International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact
Competition Picture

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon, Instagram and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


London Winners announced


Tallinn Black Nights UK co-production joins Works In Progress


Warsaw What Belongs To Others takes top prize


Tallinn Baltic Competition, Rebels With A Cause and Critics' Picks titles announced


Dinard I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning named Best Film