The BFI London Film Festival starts on October 9 with Steve McQueen’s "Blitz." It features films from Angelina Jolie, Daniel Craig, and Pharrell Williams.
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The BFI London Film Festival is back with a dazzling lineup of movies. This year's festival will kick off on October 9, 2024, with a special World War Two drama by Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen.
McQueen, who was born in London, will open the festival for the third time with his new film, "Blitz." The movie stars Saoirse Ronan as Rita, a mother living in London during the war.
She sends her young son George, played by newcomer Elliott Heffernan, to the countryside for safety. However, George is determined to return home despite the many dangers of the war.
The festival will also showcase a variety of other exciting films. There’s the Vatican-set thriller "Conclave," starring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci.
Daniel Craig, known for playing James Bond, will appear in "Queer," a film set in 1950s Mexico about a drug-addicted American. Another highlight is "Anora," a film about an exotic dancer who becomes involved with a Russian oligarch’s son, which won an award at the Cannes Film Festival.
Angelina Jolie will present her film "Maria" at the Venice Film Festival. This film, along with others, will be part of the London festival’s lineup.
“We have a lot of wonderful films that have premiered at major festivals this year,” said BFI Festivals director Kristy Matheson. “We also have 39 world premieres.”
One of the world premieres is "Joy," which stars Thomasin McKenzie, Bill Nighy, and James Norton. It tells the story of the world’s first test tube baby born in 1978. Another exciting film is "The Apprentice," which focuses on a young Donald Trump.
Pedro Almodovar’s first English-language movie, "The Room Next Door," features Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore. Also, "Nightbitch" stars Amy Adams as a stay-at-home mom who starts showing canine instincts.
The festival will also include some intriguing documentaries. "Elton John: Never Too Late" covers the musician’s return to Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium. "Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story" looks back at the late actor’s rise as Superman and his life after a horse riding accident that left him paralyzed.
The festival will wrap up with a special film by Pharrell Williams. His Lego biopic "Piece by Piece" will close the festival on October 20.
