The enormously popular
BFI London Film Festival is back again, promising three weeks of movie-based entertainment at
a range of venues across the city.
The projectors crank up on 13th October, bringing together a cast list of thousands, including movie buffs, actors, movie makers, film critics and entertainment journalists.
Special screenings include Mike Leigh's most recent film, the highly rated
Another Year.
Alejandro González Iñárritu, director of Babel and 21 Grams, showcases
Biutiful, set in a run-down part of Barcelona, and a powerful piece of work, by all accounts.
Galas include
New British Cinema,
French Revolutions, and
World Cinema to name just a few.
Besides screenings there'll be a number of film talks, workshops for budding film-makers, and a number of other
special events.
There'll also be an interesting
educational element to the festival, aimed directly at schools and colleges, as well as individual students who want to learn more about the film industry. This part of the festival will be holding free film screenings, offering the chance to meet industry insiders, and organising workshops with enticing titles such as 'Create an ad or a short film"; 'An introduction to film directing'; 'Festival animation fun'; and 'Make a film in a day'. So whether you fancy yourself as a bit of a Fellini or just like the idea of having a creative experience, find out
how to get involved.
The festival closes on 28 October with a special screening of acclaimed British director Danny Boyle's latest work,
127 Hours, being shown at the Odeon Leicester Square.
The movie tells the incredible true story of American climber Aron Ralston (played by James Franco) who in 2003 became trapped under a boulder while climbing in Utah's Blue John Canyon. Boyle recreates the event, focusing on Ralston as he contemplates his life, remembers those close to him and considers how best to deal with the life-threatening situation in which he finds himself.
With so many great screenings and events taking place this year, there really is no excuse not to get along and enjoy yourself - unless you find yourself trapped under a boulder, of course.
