Claire Foy to Star in ‘H Is For Hawk,’ Zurich Film Festival to Present Adaptation of Helen Macdonald’s Bestseller

Prepare for a deeply moving cinematic experience as the immensely talented Claire Foy, known for her captivating performances and an Oscar nomination, is set to headline the highly anticipated film adaptation of Helen Macdonald's beloved, bestselling memoir, "H Is for Hawk." This significant project is poised to be a highlight, with the Zurich Film Festival championing its presentation.

The acclaimed British actress will step into the challenging role of Mabel, a woman utterly consumed by grief following the sudden death of her father.

In a desperate attempt to cope with her profound loss, Mabel embarks on an extraordinary and arduous journey: training a wild goshawk. Macdonald's memoir is a raw, unflinching exploration of grief, the solace found in the natural world, and the unexpected, transformative bond that can form between a human and an animal.

This powerful narrative is being brought to the screen by the visionary team at Imaginarium, the production company co-founded by cinematic legend Andy Serkis and Jonathan Cavendish.

Producing the film is Karima Saïdi, whose expertise promises a nuanced and authentic interpretation of Macdonald’s deeply personal story. The screenplay, adapted with sensitivity and skill, comes from the accomplished writer Sarah Phelps, known for her brilliant adaptations of Agatha Christie novels for the BBC.

The original book, "H Is for Hawk," resonated globally, earning critical acclaim and a devoted readership for its lyrical prose and profound insights into human emotion and animal behavior.

It delves into Macdonald's own real-life experience after her father's passing, her decision to acquire and train a particularly fierce and challenging goshawk named Mabel, and how this intense, demanding process became a pathway through her overwhelming sorrow.

The film, which is slated to begin production in the spring of 2025, marks a thrilling collaboration set to bring this poignant tale to a wider audience.

With Claire Foy's remarkable ability to convey complex emotional landscapes, combined with Imaginarium's dedication to compelling storytelling and Sarah Phelps's masterful writing, "H Is for Hawk" is shaping up to be a truly unforgettable cinematic journey. The Zurich Film Festival’s early endorsement further underscores the film’s potential impact, signaling it as a must-watch for cinephiles and fans of powerful, character-driven dramas.