Director Mike Leigh attended the UK premiere of his new "anti-miserablist" film last night.

The 65-year-old director, famed for dealing with bleak realism, had surprised critics with Happy-Go-Lucky, a film about a life-loving schoolteacher.

The movie's star, Sally Hawkins, 31, has already won a Best Actress award at the Berlin Film Festival this year for her portrayal of the lead character Poppy.

Leigh, who has made his name with films like Secrets And Lies and Vera Drake, said of the movie: "If people see it, it will make them happy."

He also brought a touch of his trademark realism to the premiere in London's Camden Town tonight.

He said he would like more people to see the film, but added: "The fact that the system by which films are seen is dominated by Hollywood is lamentable. You have to not kow-tow to Hollywood, make our movies the way we want to on the subjects we want to, not just quasi-Hollywood films.

"The great thing is, though, that people are going to the movies. There was a time when people were saying 'is it all over'."

Star Hawkins said of her character: "I hope people take to her. Some people think she's irritating but that probably says more about them than her. The people that have life sussed are the ones that embrace it."

The actress, wearing shorts over tights and a cropped black jacket to the premiere, said: "I had a last-minute panic about what to wear. There were a lot of changes. I'm still not quite sure that I've worn the right thing, but it's too late now.

"Her (Poppy's) dress sense wore off on me."

Film stars John Hurt and Jim Broadbent were also at tonight's premiere, with Broadbent warning that the economic downturn could knock British films.

He said: "There are some great film-makers out there doing some really great films. But the pound being so poor and the credit crunch is not helping anyone.

"The risky projects are always the first to go, the ones that are out on a limb, the exciting ones."

Last night's premiere was held in aid of the London Film School.

Explore Film

• Film Reviews

• Trailers

• DVD

• London Film Festival

Editor's choice

• The 100 Best Films of 2009
• The 100 Worst Movies of 2009
• The 100 Best Films of the Decade