Danny Boyle says he will focus on ‘real heroes rather than fictional ones’ by announcing plans for Armistice Day anniversary
Filmmaker will ask people to gather on beaches across UK to remember 'lives lost or changed forever' by First World War
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Danny Boyle has announced plans to mark the anniversary of Armistice Day on beaches around Britain as he focuses on "real heroes rather than fictional ones".
Details were announced after the Slumdog Millionaire filmmaker dropped out of directing the next James Bond film, starring Daniel Craig, blaming "creative differences".
Asked if he had any words of advice for Cary Fukunaga, who has replaced Mr Boyle as Bond director, Mr Boyle told the Press Association: "We're talking about real heroes today rather than fictional ones."
He said the First World War project, to take place on Sunday 11 November, is "very dear to my heart".
The Trainspotting filmmaker is asking people to gather on beaches across the UK on 11 November and etch silhouettes in the sand, "remembering the millions of lives lost or changed forever by the conflict".
Organisers hope that events will take place on 30 beaches around the country, whatever the weather, with 12 earmarked so far.
Poet Carol Ann Duffy is writing a new poem which will be read by individuals, families and communities as they gather on the beaches.
While the acclaimed film-maker said it would be "quite wrong" to talk about 007 when he was due to reveal his plans for the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, he admitted stepping away from the famous film franchise has allowed him to focus his time on the anniversary plans.
He told the Press Association: "I do have a bit more time to dedicate to this, which is great.
"I'm very pleased about that because it's something which is very dear to my heart."
Speaking at Sunny Sands beach, in Folkestone, Kent, he earlier told reporters: "I was absolutely desperately keen to do this.
"My involvement in it would have been slightly compromised by that (Bond) workload.
"But I was still very, very keen to do it because it's a real, proper privilege to do something like this, where you hope to connect with everybody in the country in some way, as much as you can, rather than through your normal channels, like the box office."
Mr Fukunaga was recently announced as the new director of the next James Bond film.
Press Association
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments