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Title: SWEET SIXTEEN

Reference number: 3762

Date: 2002

Director: [d. Ken Loach]

Sponsor: [ A Scottish Screen and BBC Films presentation with the support of Filmstiftung Nordrhein-Westfalen and The Glasgow Film Office and in association with Diaphana Distribution, BIM Distribuzione, Cineart, ARD / Degeto Film and WDR]

Producer: Rebecca O'Brien

Production company: [ Sixteen Films Production with Road Movies Filmproduktion and Tornasol / Alta Films in a British, German and Spanish Co-Production]

Sound: sound

Original format: 35mm

Certificate: 18

Colour: col

Fiction: fiction

Running time: 106.00 mins

Description: Liam strives to create a new life in time for his mother's release from prison. As the countdown begins, Liam prepares to risk everything for the dream of a secure home. [synopsis from Scottish Screen Feature Films 2005 brochure]

Credits list copied from paper list supplied by Sixteen Films. Publicity pack and stills held at National Library of Scotland Moving Image Archive.

The film created hot debate at the time of its release around the issue of film censorship, especially because of the language used.

UK Gala Premiere was held at Glasgow UGC Cinema on 1/10/2002. Awarded "Best Screenplay" at Cannes Film Festival, 2002.

Credits: [p. designer Martin Johnson
ph. Barry Ackroyd
sd. rec. Ray Beckett
research Pamela Marshall
costume designer Carole K. Millar
line p. Peter Gallagher
first ass. d. David Gilchrist
ed. Jonathan Morris
m. George Fenton
co-producers Ulrich Felsbrg, Gerardo Herrero
screenplay Paul Laverty

Liam Martin Compston
Pinball William Ruane
Chantelle Annmarie Fulton
Suzanne Michelle Abercromby
Jean Michelle Coulter
Stan Gary McCormack
Rab Tommy McKee
Calum Calum McAlees
Scullion Robert Rennie
Tony Martin McCardie

Shotlist: Liam's Mum, Jean, is in prison but is due to be released in time for his 16th birthday. This time Liam is determined that things will be different. He dreams of a family life he's never had, which means creating a safe haven beyond the reach of wasters like Jean's boyfriend Stan and his own mean-spirited grandfather.

But first he's got to raise the cash - no mean feat for a skint teenager. It's not long before Liam and his pals' crazy schemes lead them into all sorts of trouble. Finding himself dangerously out of his depth, Liam knows he should walk away. Only this time, he just can't let go.

[synopsis from Sixteen Films website at http://www.sixteenfilms.co.uk/films/film/sweet_sixteen/, last accessed 12/2/2010]