David Puttnam, Nigel Havers and Chariots of Fire - The Making of a Masterpiece

This event is a must for all who love great films and admire great filmmakers.

The 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris was the setting for one of the greatest films ever made, Chariots of Fire. The winner of four academy awards (including Best Picture), three BAFTAs (including Best Film) and numerous other accolades, it is rightly hailed as a magnificent example of the best of British filmmaking.

To celebrate the centenary of those remarkable games and as a prelude to the 2024 Paris Olympics, we are delighted to welcome to Sunderland, David Puttnam, the producer of this wonderful film, and Nigel Havers, who played Lord Andrew Lindsay to discuss his memories and answer questions about how and why it was made.

David, Nigel and other friends will join us on stage for a fascinating and entertaining discussion after we enjoy this magnificent movie on The Fire Station’s big screen.

“From the opening scene of pale young men racing barefoot along the beach, full of hope and elation, backed by Vangelis’s now famous anthem, the film is utterly compelling.”

“A rare film that will surprise you with its beauty and magnificence of spirit.”

“Chariots of Fire is a masterpiece –the finest film on sports ever made…”

“In every aspect of filmmaking, it bristles with excellence.”

“Exhilarating entertainment… Chariots of Fire is a fleet of foot as the runners it celebrates.”

“A masterpiece of colour, form, and content.”