The 61st festival in the capital will be showing 242 films between 4-15 October with a wide mix of world cinema and independent film making showing over 60 world premieres over the 12 days.
To support the infrastructure of so many films, the festival stretches far and wide with 15 venues accommodating. West End with Leicester Square’s Vue and Odeon alongside Imax, Southbank, Curzon, Picturehouse in Hackney and Rich Mix in Shoreditch alongside – for the second year running – the 820 seat Embankment Garden Cinema, all showcasing new presentations and talks.
The opening night Gala will be the European premiere of Breathe on October 4th. This film marks the directorial debut of Andy Serkis and stars Andrew Garfield who plays Robin Cavendish, who gets paralysed by polio whilst in Africa. Being told he has just months to live, his wife Diana (Claire Foy) decides to bring him home to look after him and lead him on a journey of joy rather discomfort.
The closing night Gala will be Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri on Sunday 15 October. This dark comedy stars Frances McDormand who, having seen slow progress made on the murder of her daughter, decides to take it out on the chief of police played by Woody Harrelson.
Other headline galas throughout the festival include the American Express Gala featuring Battle of The Sexes which receives its European premiere and the Mayor of London’s Gala – Call Me By Your Name.
Other titles include Downsizing, Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool, Journey’s End and The Killing of A Sacred Dear starring Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman.
For film fans, the festival breaks it down with its strands to showcase new work. Each type of film come under the umbrella of; Love, Debate, Laugh, Dare, Thrill, Cult, Journey, Create, Family, Treasures and Experimenta.
Alongside the films, fans can see Cate Blanchett, Ian McEwan and David Fincher giving talks under the LFF Connects series.
Tickets go on sale to BFI members from 7 September at 10am, and on general sale from the 14 September.
For further information on the festival go to www.bfi.org.uk/lff
