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Outlook: Discovering my film-making grandfather, Emeric Pressburger

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Andrew MacDonald.jpg

18/03/2024 GMT

Discovering my film-making grandfather, Emeric Pressburger

BBC World Service - Outlook, Discovering my film-making grandfather, Emeric Pressburger

Age 13, Andrew MacDonald discovered his grandfather was an Oscar-winning film-maker

Andrew MacDonald’s grandfather loved to share stories of travel around Europe and escape from Nazis. He failed to mention he was also one of the greatest film makers in history.

Andrew MacDonald grew up in Scotland being visited by his mysterious and extravagant grandfather. He would tell enthralling stories of his life in Europe, surviving as an immigrant after escaping from the Nazi Regime. Then, by chance, a rented VHS tape revealed a massive secret. Andrew's grandfather was the famous writer Emeric Pressburger, ½ of the Powell and Pressburger film-making duo who blazed a unique trail in British cinema during the 1940s and 50s. Inspired by Emeric, Andrew took his own steps into the movie industry, going on to produce cult classic films like Trainspotting, 28 Days Later and more, and to work alongside Oscar winner Danny Boyle.  

Garry Fraser is a former heroin addict from Edinburgh who was picked by film director Danny Boyle to help direct his new movie, T2 Trainspotting. (This Interview was first broadcast on the 13th February 2017)


Film Clips: The Red Shoes, Black Narcissus, The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp, I Know Where I’m Going!, courtesy of the Rank Group. 
Trainspotting courtesy of PolyGram Filmed Entertainment.
Metropolis courtesy of Parufamet
1946 Royal Command Film Performance courtesy of British Pathe

Presenter: Emily Webb
Producer: Tommy Dixon 

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

Photo Andrew MacDonald on the set of Trainspotting. Credit: Courtesy of the Andrew Macdonald

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