Movies With “Real Political Messages” Underneath the Surface, Animation and More: What Not to Miss at London Film Fest
The 70th BFI London Film Festival will screen more than 250 films from established and emerging filmmakers, offering audiences a broad view of international cinema and a preview of films due in the coming months. Artistic director Kristy Matheson says the programme is assembled openly, with themes allowed to emerge from the films rather than being set in advance.
The festival opens on 7 October with *Elsinore*, starring Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman, and closes on 18 October with Jesse Eisenberg’s *The Debut*. Its programme includes world premieres of animated films *Ray Gunn* and *Wildwood*, alongside a 10-film official competition featuring directors including Hirokazu Kore-eda, Sergei Loznitsa, Lili Horvát and May el-Toukhy.
- The 70th BFI London Film Festival features more than 250 films.
- Animated premieres include *Ray Gunn* and *Wildwood*.
- The festival runs from 7 to 18 October.
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The London Film Festival is one of the world's major annual cinema events, held every October by the British Film Institute. It is known for showcasing international cinema from both established and emerging filmmakers, and typically previews films that will reach wider audiences in the following months. The festival also influences cultural conversation about cinema.
This year's 70th edition runs from 7 to 18 October and includes over 250 films selected by artistic director Kristy Matheson. Rather than organising the programme around predetermined themes, the selection has been assembled to allow themes to emerge from the films themselves. The opening film, Elsinore, stars Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman, whilst the festival closes with The Debut, featuring Jesse Eisenberg.
The programme includes an official competition of ten films from various established and emerging directors, alongside world premieres of new animated works. The selection represents the breadth of contemporary international cinema.