Baz Bamigboye, Danny Boyle, James Graham debut Ink at Venice

Baz Bamigboye sat in a crowded theatre at the Venice Film Festival and talked about his life as a Sun journalist while the film “Ink” played on the screen. The movie, directed by Danny Boyle and written by James Graham, is a fictionalised look at the world of British tabloid news. Bamigboye, who wrote for the Sun from the 1980s into the 2000s, was invited to speak after the film’s premiere.

The film matters because it brings the gritty reality of tabloid journalism to a mainstream audience. The Sun has long been a symbol of sensational reporting in the UK, and its influence on public opinion is still debated. “Ink” shows how headlines are crafted and how stories can shape politics. Bamigboye’s presence gives the film authenticity. He explained that the Sun’s style was built on speed and shock value, and that the newsroom was a pressure cooker. His anecdotes, like the 1982 call from a JFK call box when he tried to book a seat on an Air France Concorde, illustrate the chaotic energy of that era.

At the screening, Boyle and Graham thanked Bamigboye for sharing his memories. The director said the film was “a love letter and a warning” about the power of the press. The audience reacted with a standing ovation, and several critics praised the film for its balanced portrayal of ambition and ethics. Bamigboye added that the Sun’s biggest challenge was to stay ahead of the competition while keeping stories factual. He said the film’s depiction of the newsroom’s camaraderie and rivalry feels true to life.

After the festival, “Ink” will be released in UK cinemas next month and will stream on a major platform later in the year. Bamigboye plans to publish a memoir that expands on the stories he shared at Venice. The film’s success could spark further interest in documentaries about journalism. The festival’s spotlight on tabloid culture may influence how media outlets are covered in future movies.