Edward Snowden. La La Land. Isabelle Huppert in her best role. Wolf Alice on tour.These are just some of the headline names from the 2016 BFI London Film Festival, opening on October 5. The Festival is celebrating its 60th year, making it one of the oldest events of its kind.As ever, the festival covers both British and international films. This year’s edition will screen a total of 193 fiction and 52 documentary features, including 18 world premieres, eight international premieres, and 39 European premieres. There will also be screenings of 144 short films, including documentary, live action, and animated works.The event will also herald the BFI’s “BLACK STAR” project coming later this month — the UK’s biggest ever season of film and television dedicated to celebrating the range, versatility, and power of black actors.1. “A United Kingdom”The Festival opens on October 5 with the European Premiere of Amma Asante’s “A United Kingdom,” starring David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike. The film tells the true story of Seretse Khama, King of Bechuanaland (modern Botswana), and Ruth Williams, the white office worker he met in London and married in 1947 despite fierce opposition from governments. The themes of sexism, racism, and snobbery are all drawn out nicely.2. “Free Fire”The closing event is the European premiere of Ben Wheatley’s “Free Fire” on Sunday, October 16. The scene is a Boston warehouse in 1970, with some Irishmen who want to buy guns. Then the shooting starts.3. “Lion”The galas include the Garth Davis film “Lion,” with Dev Patel and Rooney Mara joined by Nicole Kidman. An adaptation of Saroo Brierley’s memoir “A Long Way Home,” the story chronicles how a five-year-old Indian boy’s life is changed forever after boarding the wrong train.4. “La La Land”Damien Chazelle returns to the Festival with “La La Land,” a bittersweet love letter to the city of Los Angeles. This one has already been shown to huge acclaim elsewhere, of course. The musical has Ryan Gosling dancing with Emma Stone in scenes worthy of “Singing in the Rain” or “West Side Story.” Oscar success surely beckons.5. “Snowden”The “Snowden” movie is Oliver Stone’s latest to take truth that is stranger than fiction and make it even more dramatic. Not that much needs to be done with this one; the story of the whistleblower is incredible enough to start with.6. “Queen of Katwe”A promising film, again inspired by real life – a lot of true stories are making it this year. This one narrates the tale of Phiona Mutesi, a poor Ugandan girl who overcame multiple hurdles to become an international chess champion.7. “Elle”“Elle” is a Paul Verhoeven movie with an unlikely plot about a businesswoman who is attacked by a burglar and decides to track him down herself rather than report the crime. What makes it thrilling and convincing is the performance by Isabelle Huppert.8. “On the Road”The world premieres include a late addition – “On the Road,” Michael Winterbottom’s documentary following the up-and-coming British band Wolf Alice on tour earlier this year. The movie will be released in the UK in 2017.The BFI London Film Festival runs from October 5-16 at various London venues. Click on the slideshow to see more images.
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