‘The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ Chosen for Royal Film Performance

The Hollywood Reporter – December 18, 2014

By Georg Szalai

John Madden’s The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has been selected for Britain’s annual Royal Film Performance, organized by the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF).

The royal and world premiere of the sequel will take place on Feb. 17, with members of the British royal family, cast and filmmakers in attendance.

The CTBF, established in 1924, is a big charity for the film and TV industries, supporting professionals and their families in times of need. The Royal Film Performance has been the charity’s principal fundraising event since 1946.

Said CTBF president Barry Jenkins: “At the end of our 90th anniversary year, it is fitting that we can celebrate alongside such acclaimed British filmmaking talent. We are extremely grateful to the royal family for their continued support and to Fox Searchlight Pictures for sharing this opportunity with us.”

The film’s cast includes the likes of Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy and Dev Patel. The film is set to open in cinemas across the U.K. and Ireland on Feb. 26 February and in the U.S. on March 6.