Such was the popularity of the event and the resultant demand for tickets, last night's European premiere of the Grant Gee Joy Division documentary at the Sheffield Doc Fest was shown in two cinemas simultaneously to over 500 delegates, punters and guests - before being shown again shortly afterwards.

Among the audience were Richard Kirk, Jon Savage, Peter Hook, Rebecca Boulton and the Lord and Lady Mayoress of Sheffield.

Immediately following the 97 minute HD showing of the excellent documentary, Savage and Hooky were joined onstage by members of the production team - Grant Gee, Tom Astor, Jerry Chater and Jacqui Edenbrow - for a short Q&A session.

Hooky pontificated as to how the documentary was the "perfect answer to Control", that the interviewing of the band before Control went into production and marketing had been important, that New Order playing old Joy Division songs was "like being given a new toy", and that as a result of the recent Joy Division activity he had realised how good they actually were.

"Tell that to the Arctic Monkeys!"

Jacqui Edenbrow revealed that the documentary was to go on cinematic release in early 2008 and had been sold in 15 territories, with The Works distributing in the UK and the Weinsteins in the US.

Many thanks to Hooky and Jacqui for the ticket and Sheffield Doc Fest themselves for hosting the event - the opening night of a programme of screenings that made this contributor wish he had a full delegate pass and five days holiday! (example)

See earlier posting for details of other related events. Review to follow.

Labels: Joy_Division, New_Order, Peter_Hook

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