Local stories feature heavily with the BFI’s 68th London Film Festival now underway.
Running from October 9 until October 20, the festival kicks off with London story Blitz directed by Steve McQueen, starring Saoirse Ronan and Stephen Graham, which will show at the opening gala tonight.
Around 20 London-set stories can be seen this year, particularly in the short-film categories which feature some of the city’s up and coming filmmakers.
Programme Administration Coordinator for BFI festivals, Sky Lewis, spoke of the value of sharing these local voices.
Lewis said: “The many London-set films truly display experiences from all walks of life, which was really important to us.
“I think the variety of films featured highlight how much of a creative hub London is, and how the city can inspire art ranging from the heartfelt to the ridiculous.”
Here are five London films to look out for this week.
- Hard Truths by Mike Leigh
From the director of Secrets & Lies, Vera Drake and Mr. Turner, Mike Leigh returns to the London Film Festival this year with his film Hard Truths.
This drama depicts contemporary family life in London through the story of Pansy (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), a suburban black woman who is angry at the world around her.
The reality of the lead character’s clinical depression and need to seek professional help is the ‘hard truth’, that neither her nor the people around her are willing to confront.
It is an honest portrayal of familial relations today, which come to fruition during a Mother’s Day weekend with Michelle Austin, David Webber and Tuwaine Barrett as members of Pansy’s family.
Showings: Monday 14 Oct at 18:00, Wednesday 16 Oct at 14:30 (Southbank Centre, Royal Festival Hall), and Sunday 20 at 20:30 (Institute of Contemporary Arts, Screen 1)
2. Two Minutes by Jamie Benyon
Two Minutes is a five-minute short film portraying two brothers who attempt to rob a corner shop, but are disrupted when they bump into their Nan.
Annette Badland of Ted Lasso and Big Boys plays the caring and concerned Nan of the two boys (Samuel Bottomley and Ashley Margolis) in the film, which was shot over the course of a day in Tooting.
Director of Two Minutes Jamie Benyon said: “I was so lucky to have worked with the best cast and crew, and to be screening at this year’s BFI LFF is a dream come true.
“We hope audiences will be on the edge of their seat, laugh and be moved as they experience Two Minutes.”
Showings: Wednesday 9 Oct at 18:30 (Curzon Soho Cinema, Screen 1)
3. Trouble by Sarah Blok
Short drama Trouble explores the dynamics of two London brothers in their early twenties, who must navigate the complexities of their parents’ divorce.
The 20-minute film centres on their dad’s birthday celebrations, where their mum shows up uninvited.
Part the festivals’ 2024 Shorts programme Family Ties, Trouble is Sarah Blok’s first film to screen at a film festival.
Showings: Wednesday 9 Oct at 18:30 (Curzon Soho Cinema, Screen 1)
4. The Real Thing by Charlie Fink
A surprisingly successful first date for a lonely London man, Danny (Thomas Gray), turns to tragedy in The Real Thing.
The short film is a race against time as the protagonist attempts to hide evidence of a dark secret in his flat that he does not want his date to see.
Film Director, Charlie Fink, said: “It’s an exploration of how the relentless pursuit of projecting an immaculate version of ourselves results in hindering genuine human connection.
“I am very proud to have this film selected by the BFI.”
Showings: Friday 11 Oct at 18:15 (Prince Charles Cinema, Downstairs Screen)
5. Fierce-ish Grace by Amaya Owen Rowlands
Grace is a hybrid worker who prepares to confront her boss by practicing to her bathroom mirror, which is the only thing that is able to see the unleashed version of herself.
It has been described as a love letter to all the women who are simply doing their best, putting one Adidas Gazelle in front of the other, Rescue Remedy in hand, and waiting for the revolution.
The one-woman short film is carried by the dynamic Bukky Bakray, and is written by director Amaya Owen Rowlands and Celia Legard.
Owen Rowlands said: “We are truly honoured to be part of the BFI London Film Festival.
“To have our little film play to such a large audience, feels overwhelmingly positive, particularly alongside so many other filmmakers, whose work we have long admired.”
Showings: Wednesday 9 at 20:45 (BFI Southbank, NFT1) and Monday 14 at 21:10 (BFI Southbank, NFT2)
Lewis added: “This year, we’ve really made a point to showcase UK and Irish talent, which you can see reflected in these numbers.”
London based stories can be seen in the festival’s programmes including Family Ties, Trials and Tribulations, and Honouring Traditions, as well as the London Calling LFF for Free.
Featured Image – Joe Maher/Getty Images for BFI
