Currently in its 57th year, BFI London Film Festival returns on 9 October with 235 feature films and 134 short films from 57 countries all around the world. Divided up into categories — Love, Dare, Laugh, Thrill, Sonic, Family, Journey, Documentary, Experimenta and Treasures — there is something to cater to all tastes.
We already ran an early preview, to give you a ticket tip-off, but now the festival's ready to roll, we thought we'd throw out a few other gems you might want to investigate. In some cases, tickets have already gone, but look out for returns on the day.
Peter Greengrass’s Captain Phillips opens this year's festival. It's the true story of a Captain (played by Tom Hanks) who is taken hostage by Somali pirates. In the documentary stem, How We Used To Live is a poetic vision of London, with footage from the BFI National Archive tracing back to the 1950s.
Blue Is The Warmest Colour won the prestigious Palme d’Or award at this year’s Cannes film festival. This French feature tells the story of a young lesbian couple’s meeting and possible end. The Oscar-tipped 12 Years A Slave from Director Steve McQueen will also be popular.
Starred Up, a low-budget Brit film starring the talented British actor Jack O’Connell (Skins, This Is England) follows the life of a troubled teenager who is transferred to an adult prison where he finally meets his match.
Chilean born director Sebastian Lelio graces London with his charming feature Gloria. A favourite from this year’s Toronto Film Festival, Gloria is a free spirited fifty-something regular on the middle-aged single scene. A unique and compassionate film, you really need to see this.
London-based filmmaker Joanna Hogg’s Exhibition is an intimate examination of a contemporary artist couple whose living patterns are threatened by the sale of their home. Set in London, Hogg’s feature promises to be visually enthralling to watch.
Hello Carter, also set in London, is the story of a recently homeless and single man, and his desperate attempts to win back his ex by embarking on an adventure throughout the capital.
The 12-day festival screenings take place at some of the most luxurious sites all around London, from the Screen on the Green in Angel to The Ritzy in Brixton and the Odeon West End.
This year’s festival is by far the most eclectic and exciting yet and you can still buy tickets directly from the BFI website.
BFI London Film Festival 2013, 9-10 October 2013.
By Natasha Saifolahi
