

At A Glance
Grandson of a slave and the son of a lorry driver the story of the rebellious boy who defied the odds to become the first black principle ballet dancer to perform at the Royal Ballet in London. Nicknamed Yuli by his father, Carlos’ irreverence is no match for his father’s determination to see his son forge a career and fulfill a destiny. This stunningly choreographed film symbiotically combines narrative and dance to amplify the emotional tone delivering a rich, inspiration film which is the true definition of a rags to riches story.

Film Details
Directed by Icíar Bollaín
Written by Paul Laverty
Based on the book by Carlos Acosta
Released by Modern Films
2019, 115 minutes
In UK Cinemas Friday 12th April
Cast
Carlos Acosta as himself
Santiago Alfonso as Pedro Acosta
Keyvin Martínez as Carlos Acosta (young)
Edlison Manuel Olbera Núñez as Carlos Acosta (boy)
Laura De la Uz as Teacher Chery
Carlos Acosta - Press Junket
Join Premiere Scene’s Claire Bueno as she interviews Carlos Acosta as she asks him about a film that very much felt like an acknowledgment and tribute to his father Pedro Acosta (Santiago Alfonso). We ask about the power of dance and why it is that we can sometimes we say more through movement than words. And how did he deal with the demanding scenes required of him as he portrayed his father through dance.
Paul Laverty & Icíar Bollaín– Press Junket
Join Premiere Scene’s Claire Bueno as she interviews writer Paul Laverty and director Icíar Bollaín as she asks them about a film how they first became acquainted with the Carlos Acosta story, striking the balance when telling the story between narrative and dance and how mindful they had to be when directing charged dance scenes what were emotionally and physically demanding.
“It's almost what you don't say, that's the power of movement." - Carlos Acosta
Yuli: The Carlos Acosta Story - Official Trailer
Claire Bueno
Claire Bueno is a film journalist, presenter and interviewer, having moderated BAFTA and Apple Store Q&As and hosted Comic Con panel talks. She has interviewed high calibre artistes such as Tom Cruise, George Clooney, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Sigourney Weaver, Nicole Kidman, Emily Blunt, Samuel L Jackson, James Cameron and Andy Serkis. Having studied with the London School of Journalism, she received a diploma with distinction in Freelance and Feature Writing and has written for 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die and Curzon Magazine. Additionally, Claire is the producer of the critically acclaimed feature documentary CLEANIN’ UP THE TOWN: Remembering Ghostbusters.