BFI LONDON FILM FESTIVAL 2017 News Update #LFF

BFI 61st London Film Festival runs 4-15th October 2017 the full programme features a selection of 243 features films, from 67 countries. The 12-day event will highlight the diverse talent from both new and established film makers. Amongst that talent Zambia-born Welsh director Nyoni’s debut film I Am Not A Witch which premiered at this year’s Cannes Film Festival in Directors’ Fortnight, has been shortlisted for the 50K IWC Schaffhausen Filmmaker Bursary Award, for an emerging UK-based writer and/or director premiering their first or second feature at the London Film Festival (LFF).

Film Festival director Clare Stewart made reference to the global world issues and how it influenced the films. “In these globally tumultuous times, filmmakers around the world have increasingly urgent stories to tell” Stewart said.

“This year’s BFI London Film Festival programme is rich with opportunity – to stay informed, be challenged, feel the pleasure of escape and to see the world differently.”

Some of the themes the festival will cover include:

LBGT – It is the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales, BFI will present a powerful LGBT line-up.

Immigration and Social Division – A profound time for a conversation about immigrant and with Brexit this can not be more timely.

Black Star – In 2016 BFI’s celebrated the versatility and power of black actors in film.

Hosted in fifteen venues across the capital, West End cinemas – Vue Leicester Square, Odeon Leicester Square; BFI Southbank, BFI IMAX, Picturehouse Central, the ICA, Curzon Mayfair, Curzon Soho, Empire Haymarket, Prince Charles Cinema and Ciné Lumière. Local cinemas include– Hackney Picturehouse, Rich Mix in Shoreditch and Curzon Chelsea. Special screenings will also be held at the National Gallery and the Barbican, and several key events will also be cinecasted to cinema venues around the UK.

Amanda Nevill, Chief Executive of the BFI said:

“It is a delight to welcome some of the most thrilling storytellers from across the world to the Festival. London has a big heart and this year we are again reminded of the generosity and freedom of this awesome capital city of ours which so readily embraces this multiplicity of cultures and new voices.”