David Jonsson, Tom Blyth in 'Wasteman' Courtesy of Lionsgate Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment David Jonsson and Tom Blyth's prison thriller Wasteman will screen for free in over 100 U.K. theaters as part of a BFI-supported initiative. Escapes, designed to make cinema more accessible by showing films for free across Britain each month, will make complimentary tickets for the now BAFTA-nominated Wasteman available on Feb. 16-17, ahead of its wide release on Feb. 20. From director Cal McMau - who nabbed best debut director at the 2025 British Independent Film Awards for his work - Wasteman follows prisoner Taylor (Jonsson). Approaching parole, he wants nothing more than to be a father to the son he's never met, and in a world of drugs, parties, gangs and violence, he's so far managed to keep out of trouble. But when a violent new cellmate Dee (Blyth) arrives, the chance for Taylor to get his life back is put in jeopardy. Related Stories Business Magus Films Steps Into U.K. Distribution With Matthew Hope's 'Empire of Lies' (Exclusive) Movies 'The World Came Flooding in' Explores the "Rich Inner World That Remains When Everything Is Washed Away": Rotterdam The film, a searing exploration of the country's flawed prison system, also stars Rivals frontman Alex Hassell and British R&B artist Ray BLK. "Escapes aims to boost independent cinema attendance and build cinema audiences in the long term," said Ben Luxford, director of U.K.-wide audiences at the British Film Institute (BFI). He continued to The Hollywood Reporter: "We're excited to be partnering with Lionsgate to preview Cal McMau's electrifying Wasteman to audiences across the U.K. for free, thanks to National Lottery funding. Claim your tickets, grab the popcorn and we'll see you in the cinema!" Jonsson, last year's recipient of the BAFTA Rising Star Award, is best known for his breakout appearance in Ryle Lane and later Alien: Romulus, The Long Walk and HBO's Industry. Blyth is currently the star of Netflix's People We Meet on Vacation, but is also famed for his role as a young President Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Escapes is a nationwide initiative supported by the BFI and National Lottery funding. It celebrates independent cinemas and drives new audiences to local venues in a bid to "bring cinema to every community in the U.K." The free tickets will be available at Escapes from Feb. 2. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up The Moment 'The Moment' Filmmaker Introduces "Fabulous" Kylie Jenner in Acting Debut at Film's L.A. Premiere VR 'The World Came Flooding in' Explores the "Rich Inner World That Remains When Everything Is Washed Away": Rotterdam International Film Festival Rotterdam In Political Thriller 'Projecto Global,' a Revolutionary Movement Loses Sight of Its Purpose (Exclusive Rotterdam Clips) Melania Trump 'Melania' Doc Premieres in D.C. as Director Brett Ratner Says $75 Million Price Tag "Wasn't About Corruption" Will Poulter 'Union County' Review: Will Poulter and Noah Centineo Embed With Real-Life Recovering Opiate Addicts in Rural Ohio in Absorbing Docudrama Xochitl Gomez Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo and More Latino Artists Sign Open Letter Urging for "Accountability and Equity" Amid 'Deep Cuts' Casting Backlash The Moment 'The Moment' Filmmaker Introduces "Fabulous" Kylie Jenner in Acting Debut at Film's L.A. Premiere VR 'The World Came Flooding in' Explores the "Rich Inner World That Remains When Everything Is Washed Away": Rotterdam International Film Festival Rotterdam In Political Thriller 'Projecto Global,' a Revolutionary Movement Loses Sight of Its Purpose (Exclusive Rotterdam Clips) Melania Trump 'Melania' Doc Premieres in D.C. as Director Brett Ratner Says $75 Million Price Tag "Wasn't About Corruption" Will Poulter 'Union County' Review: Will Poulter and Noah Centineo Embed With Real-Life Recovering Opiate Addicts in Rural Ohio in Absorbing Docudrama Xochitl Gomez Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo and More Latino Artists Sign Open Letter Urging for "Accountability and Equity" Amid 'Deep Cuts' Casting Backlash