BFF 2016: “Come on Eileen”, United Kingdom
Bulgarian premiere of the film:
“Come on Eileen”, 2014, United Kingdom, Anthony Collins, 20’
Come on Eileen’ is a short film telling the remarkable story of Coventry cyclist Eileen Sheridan who became a record breaking professional cyclist in the 1950’s.
Eileen now aged 90, gives a first hand account of her astonishing career, from early touring Club days to her famous rides as a professional which set a standard for generations of female cyclists to come.
Rarely seen archive is combined with dramatic reconstruction to recreate her epic 1954 ride from Lands End to John O’Groats, a journey that pushed her to her absolute limits. Interviews with experts and contemporaries provide context and an insight into the times.
Comedian Josie Long provides narration whilst Cycling writer Jude Brosnan plays the part of Eileen.
The film is directed by Anthony Collins, a keen cyclist himself, he was drawn to Eileen’s story after reading her 1956 autobiography ‘Wonder Wheels’. Collins was given exclusive access to Eileen’s extensive stills archive from her golden years in the sport.
