Cannes seduced by Virgin of Liverpool

The film will be seen by industry insiders in Cannes

A new movie which was shot entirely in Liverpool is getting its debut at the Cannes Film Festival on Sunday.

The Virgin of Liverpool is a comedy about a 12-year-old girl who tries to find a new home for a statue of the Virgin Mary after the original building it was housed in is threatened with demolition.

Starring Ricky Tomlinson, Johnny Vegas and Full Monty star Paul Barber, the film is due for general release later in the year.

City council officers have also travelled to the French Riviera to promote Liverpool as a venue for new movies.

The Virgin of Liverpool has been made by the team behind the acclaimed film Leon the Pig Farmer.

We have a galaxy of creative talent available from internationally known actors to fabulous set designers and fantastic writers

Lynn Saunders, Liverpool Film Office

In 2001, the city was the backdrop for the hit movie 51st State, which starred Robert Carlyle and Samuel L Jackson.

Trainspotting director Danny Boyle has also chosen Liverpool for his latest film, Millions.

Lynn Saunders, manager of the city's Film Office, said: "Producers and directors from around the world go to Cannes with the intention of finding locations to film their next project.

World-wide reputation

"I will be pitching Liverpool to them.

"As well as fabulous locations, Liverpool now has its own film studios and a talented base of local crew.

"Most of all, we have a galaxy of creative talent available from internationally known actors to fabulous set designers and fantastic writers.

"We are developing a world-wide reputation as a great place to come and make fantastic movies.

"It is vital we capitalise on that - and Cannes is the place to do it."

Liverpool City Council estimates that the film and television industry is worth £12m to the city every year.