Long before the world knew the name Harry Potter, a generation of British children were already dreaming of secret doors and hidden magical realms.
This year, the literary spark that fueled the imaginations of the world’s most celebrated fantasy authors finally leaps onto the big screen.
“The Magic Faraway Tree,” based on the beloved 1943 series by Enid Blyton and starring award-winning actors Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy, will arrive in Philippine theaters on April 22 through Pioneer Films.
While the film honors its 1940s roots, director Ben Gregor brings the story into the 21st century by following Tim and Polly Thompson (Garfield and Foy) as they relocate their three technology-addicted children to the countryside to escape a corporate scandal.
In the woods behind their new home, the children discover the Faraway Tree, rekindling their family bond through adventures that prove imagination is more powerful than any screen.
Also starring in the film are Nicola Coughlan as Silky, Nonso Anozie as Moonface, Jessica Gunning as Dame Washalot, Dustin Demri-Burns as the Saucepan Man, Oliver Chris as Mr. Watzisname, Jennifer Saunders as Grandma Thompson, and Rebecca Ferguson as Dame Snap.
Blyton is also famous for writing “Noddy,” “Famous Five,” “Secret Seven,” “Malory Towers,” and the “Five Find-Outers,” many of which have been adapted for the screen.