A cinematic journey: The 68th BFI London Film Festival unveils its contenders
The 68th BFI London Film Festival (LFF) has unveiled the 11 films competing for the prestigious Best Film Award this year. Representing 13 countries, this diverse lineup showcases a rich tapestry of international filmmaking talent. Let’s dive into the selected films and explore what makes each one a standout.
Memoir of a Snail: A tale of separation and reunion
Director: Adam Elliot
Country: Australia
“Memoir of a Snail” is a stop-motion animated film that tells the poignant story of separated twins in 1970s Australia. Blending humor and emotion, the film features the voices of Sarah Snook, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Eric Bana. It has already garnered acclaim, winning Best Film at Annecy earlier this year. Watch the trailer.
Bring Them Down: Feuding families in rural Ireland
Director: Christopher Andrews
Countries: Ireland, U.K., Belgium
“Bring Them Down” paints a vivid portrait of two feuding farming families in rural Ireland. Starring Barry Keoghan and Christopher Abbott, the film has traveled from Toronto, where it was a special presentation. Watch the trailer.
On Becoming a Guinea Fowl: Tradition and strength in Zambia
Director: Rungano Nyoni
Countries: Zambia, U.K., Ireland
This film delves into the themes of tradition, abuse, and strength within a Zambian family. It debuted at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard strand, where Nyoni won Best Director. Watch the trailer.
April: A doctor’s dilemma in rural Georgia
Director: Dea Kulumbegashvili
Countries: France, Georgia, Italy
“April” explores rural life in Georgia, focusing on a doctor who faces blame after a newborn dies during a difficult birth. Produced by Luca Guadagnino, the film comes from Venice, where it is in contention for the Golden Lion. Watch the trailer.
The Extraordinary Miss Flower: A biographical mystery
Directors: Iain Forsyth, Jane Pollard
Country: U.K.
This biographical film about Geraldine Flower reveals a secret cache of love letters that hint at a possible life of espionage. The film features music by Iceland’s Emilíana Torrini. Watch the trailer.
Four Mothers: A tale of care and pride
Director: Darren Thornton
Countries: Ireland, U.K.
“Four Mothers” tells the story of a queer, up-and-coming novelist who cares for his aging mother and three other elderly women during Pride. The film is an adaptation of Gianni Di Gregorio’s beloved 2008 LFF winner “Mid-August Lunch.” Watch the trailer.
Living in Two Worlds: Navigating sound and silence
Director: Mipo O
Country: Japan
This film follows the complex inner journey of Dai, a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), as he navigates the worlds of sound and silence. It was previously a Golden Goblet nominee at Shanghai. Watch the trailer.
Thank You for Banking With Us: A race against time
Director: Laila Abbas
Countries: Palestine, Germany
This film tells the story of two sisters racing against time to secure their inheritance in the face of unfair patriarchal systems. Watch the trailer.
The Wolves Always Come at Night: A hybrid documentary
Director: Gabrielle Brady
Countries: Australia, Mongolia, Germany
This hybrid documentary portrays the life of a family in rural Mongolia facing climate change. The film comes from Toronto, where it was featured in the Platform section. Watch the trailer.
Under the Volcano: A family disrupted by war
Director: Damian Kocur
Country: Poland
“Under the Volcano” explores a Ukrainian family’s sunny beach holiday disrupted by the outbreak of war, instantly making them refugees. The film arrives at LFF after premiering at Toronto and opening Gdynia. Watch the trailer.
Vermiglio: A period tale in the Italian mountains
Director: Maura Delpero
Countries: Italy, France, Belgium
Set in a remote Italian mountain village, “Vermiglio” tells the story of a deserting soldier who disrupts a tranquil community. The film comes from Venice, where it is in contention for the Golden Lion. Watch the trailer.
The festival’s broader scope
The winner of the Best Film Award will be revealed on October 20. Recent winners include “Evil Does Not Exist” in 2023 and “Corsage” in 2022. The festival will also feature competitions for Best Documentary, First Feature, and Short, with nominees to be announced on September 4. Audience awards for Best Feature and Documentary will return this year as well.
Kristy Matheson, LFF director, expressed her excitement: “We have a stellar lineup for audiences and our jury’s consideration. We’re immensely proud to have many U.K. filmmakers represented alongside films from across the globe. Boasting an enormous breadth in terms of cinematic styles, there’s a world of cinema to be enjoyed in our 2024 official competition.”
The festival runs from October 9-20, promising a rich cinematic experience for all attendees.