Award-winning British director and screenwriter Kirk Jones was born in Bristol and grew up in Long Ashton, attending Backwell School and Filton Technical College before going on to study at the Newport Film School.
He’s best known for directing films such as Waking Ned Devine (1998), Nanny McPhee (2005), Everybody’s Fine (2009), What to Expect When You’re Expecting (2012) and My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016). After 40 years away, making films and TV commercials in London, Europe, Canada and the US, he has returned to live in Bristol with his family.
Kirk’s latest film I Swear, a biopic of pioneering Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson MBE from Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, was released in cinemas last month and has been described as “heartwarming”, “compassionate” and “astonishing” by critics. One to watch for the upcoming awards season, it has been nominated in nine categories by the British Independent Film Awards 2025 (taking place 29th November).
Huge congratulations Kirk, I Swear has had an incredible critical reception. What do you think it is about the film that is resonating with audiences?
It is a strong mix of humour, tragedy and emotion all wrapped up in a British story. In a world that is obsessed with Super Heroes and fantasy worlds, I Swear presents a real life superhero, John Davidson who has to battle Tourettes Syndrome every day.
This is your first biopic. What are the biggest challenges when bringing a remarkable life like John’s to the big screen – and what’s it like to bear that responsibility?
The responsibility to John and to the greater Tourette’s community was terrifying. Tourettes and those who live with the condition has often been abused by the media, treated as nothing more than a cheap joke when someone swears or says something that is controversial. I was determined from day one that this project would be different and that it would present the true nature of the condition. I assured John Davidson that I was making him an executive producer because I wanted to him to have a level of control, I wanted him to have a voice so that if he had any concerns he could speak up.
You’ve directed big budget movies with Hollywood stars like Robert De Niro, Cameron Diaz and Emma Thompson, and indie films with lesser-known actors like Robert Aramayo – who many are already tipping for a BAFTA! How do the two processes differ – and do you have a preference?
Both are enjoyable but with a higher budget comes a larger group of executives and financiers who all want to make their mark on the film and express their opinion, especially in the US. For that reason I prefer directing smaller projects that I have written.
Kirk with Robert Aramayo, who is BIFA-nominated for his lead performance as John Davidson (images courtesy Kirk Jones)
I Swear is being hailed by many as a vital film for neurodivergent acceptance and appreciation. What role do you think Film has in changing social attitudes?
Feature films – and all forms of entertainment, from Cinema to Television to Radio – have the ability to change social attitudes because I believe the best way to educate is to entertain at the same time.
How did you make your way into the film industry – was there a ‘big break’ for you along the way?
After leaving Newport Film School I went to London and tried to find work as a Production Runner. During this period I went on holiday with my girlfriend (now wife) and I took an old super 8mm camera with me. I felt an incredible urge to make use of my time away from my job as a runner to write and direct a test commercial and chose this instead of the beach. I cut the commercial together when I returned to London and entered it into the Creative Circle Awards. I won the top prize and was offered the opportunity to direct by two separate production companies. I have been directing ever since. Looking back it was a better use of my time than sitting on the beach and getting a tan.
If you were starting out in Bristol today, how different do you think your journey would be?
Whether it is Bristol or anywhere, the main difference is that today, anyone can make a film on their phone and distribute it worldwide on YouTube for free. In the 1980’s it was incredibly expensive and complicated trying to make any film on any level. There is no excuse for young people who say they want to make film but have never made anything, it has never been easier.
What advice would you give to anyone aspiring to become a writer/director today?
Just do it. Write, it will be awful, so then rewrite and it will be less awful, keep rewriting until you feel that it is the best it can be. Do not show anyone unless you think you cannot make it any better. Nothing is perfect first time. I have worked with Oscar-winning writers who write and rewrite a script 15-20 times before they show anyone. They admit the first draft was awful. Inexperienced writers finish the first draft, decide it is awful and never rewrite or polish or improve it. If you want to direct then again, just do it. Get some friends together, shoot it on a phone, edit it. Keep going, every time you shoot, you learn. Every mistake you make, you won’t make it again.
What achievement are you most proud of professionally?
Despite the ‘apparent glamour’ associated with being a director it is the scripts that I have written and directed that are most fulfilling. There is nothing like sitting alone with a computer and writing a scene or a line and then a year later being on set and hearing an actor read that line – and then a year after that seeing it play to an audience in a cinema and watching them cry, or laugh, or jump, or smile.
And finally, what do you love most about being back in Bristol?
The people, the community, the character. Sitting and watching football with friends I went to primary school with. Being close to my parents who still live in Long Ashton and spending more time with them than I could ever have done when I lived abroad.
I Swear is in cinemas now. For more details visit www.iswearfilm.com