Pop star Dua Lipa, Tobias Menzies from the show The Crown, and David Jonsson, known for his role in Rye Lane, are participating in a unique project where they’ll read excerpts from books nominated for this year’s International Booker Prize. These readings are part of six short films produced by Merman, a company co-founded by Sharon Horgan, star of Bad Sisters, and producer Clelia Mountford.
The films feature Dua Lipa narrating la Genberg’s The Details, Tobias Menzies presenting Mater 2-10 by Hwang Sok-yong, and David Jonsson reading Not a River by Selva Almada. Other actors involved include Eleanor Tomlinson, who will read Jenny Erpenbeck’s Kairos; Anya Chalotra from The Witcher reading What I’d Rather Not Think About by Jente Posthuma; and Antonio Thomas showcasing Crooked Plow by Itamar Vieira Junior.
The International Booker Prize is a prestigious global award that honors books translated into English. Dua Lipa has a history with the Booker Prize organization, having spoken at their ceremony in 2022 and supported their prison book initiative, Books Unlocked, last year.
Dua Lipa, Tobias Menzies, David Jonsson to Star in Short Films Reading Excerpts From International Booker Prize Contenders https://t.co/TEzT90oz1N
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Dua Lipa, who speaks two languages, expressed her appreciation for translated fiction, noting it as a bridge between cultures, enhancing our understanding and perspective of the world.
Directed by Charlotte Hamblin, who has worked on Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife, and Operation Mincemeat, the short films will be released on the Booker Prize’s website at 9 a.m. U.K. time on Thursday. Additionally, they will be featured at the prize ceremony in London on May 21. Source
