WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
Established in 1933, the London Film Festival (LFF) is one of the many activities of the British Film Institute (BFI). It promotes an understanding and appreciation of Britain’s rich film and television heritage and culture. Europe’s largest public film event, the festival runs for two weeks every autumn and showcases the best in contemporary cinema from around the world at venues across London. It actively seeks out diversity, believing that all people have a desire, indeed a right, to see their stories onscreen.
This year, the festival will showcase 243 features from 67 countries across 12 days.
WATCH OUT FOR!
Breathe Director Andy Serkis opens the festival with Breathe, which is an inspirational love story about two indomitable people who defy the odds and pave the way for change.
Beyond The Clouds Set in the slums of Mumbai, director Majid Majidi delivers a powerful coming-of-age tale about a brother trying to save his jailed sister. The risk-taking Iranian director is best known for his Oscar-nominated Children of Heaven, and he moves to Mumbai for this stunning feature. Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire) provides a richly nuanced score.
INDIAN CONNECT
The Brawler
A young and talented Indian boxer dreams of being a champion but is knocked sideways when he falls for the niece of the man blocking his road to success. The acclaimed director of Gangs of Wasseypur , Anurag Kashyap delivers another knockout with his new feature.
Shiraz: A Romance Of India
This epic silent film is a ravishing, romantic tale of the story behind one of the world’s most iconic structures: the Taj Mahal. Shiraz is based on the story of the 17th century Mughal ruler Shah Jahan, his queen and the building of the world’s most beautiful monument to love, the Taj Mahal. Shot entirely on location in India.
HEADLINE GALA
STRAND GALA:
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION:
CLOSING GALA
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Martin McDonagh’s follow-up to Seven Psychopaths is a characteristically pitch-black comedic drama featuring a blistering central performance from Frances McDormand.