With the 68th BFI London Film Festival (LFF) set to kick off on October 9, the excitement is palpable among cinephiles and industry insiders alike. This year’s festival promises to feature a diverse range of films, spotlighting powerful stories, particularly those surrounding motherhood, as well as introducing viewers to groundbreaking animation and out-of-the-ordinary narratives related to animals.
Kristy Matheson, who is gearing up for her second year as the festival's director, has been at the helm of orchestrations for this year’s event. "It's been amazing to decide on this year’s lineup, which includes 255 titles from 80 countries. We've managed to curate some truly standout works from the festival circuit, along with 40 world premieres," Matheson noted.
This year’s festival will open with acclaimed director Steve McQueen’s film Blitz, featuring actors Saoirse Ronan, Kathy Burke, and Paul Weller. Set against the backdrop of World War II, Blitz follows the emotional turmoil of separated family members during tumultuous times—a theme reflective of both personal and collective struggles. Matheson emphasized, "To be able to premiere Blitz as our opening film is such a cherry on top of the festival. It speaks to the resilience of individuals amid conflict.”
Aside from Blitz, several other films promise to draw attention. Notable is Motherboard, directed by Victoria Mapplebeck, who uniquely chronicles her experiences as a single mother through two decades of footage. "I aimed to create something relatable and honest, depicting the various facets of motherhood,” said Mapplebeck, who captured pivotal moments of her son Jim’s life intertwined with her own personal battles. This deeply human narrative showcases motherhood’s challenges and triumphs without glossing over the emotional weight carried by caregivers.
Matheson expressed her delight at the diversity of films this year, especially those tackling themes of motherhood. Other films like Nightbitch, starring Amy Adams, and Joy, which chronicles the groundbreaking story of the world’s first IVF baby, are also slated to premiere, affording audiences nuanced perspectives on the maternal experience.
Animation is another genre receiving strong representation this year. Matheson remarked, “Animation is having its moment, and we have an array of films not just for children but for adults too.” With examples ranging from That Christmas, produced by Netflix and directed by Simon Otto, to the unique stop-motion film Memoir of a Snail, this year’s festival promises to deliver animation of various styles and narratives. Matheson stated, “[Animation] continues to push creative boundaries, showcasing voices from around the globe.”
Additionally, the festival will shine light on the unique relationships between humans and animals, evident through selections such as Pepe, depicting the life of a hippo previously owned by drug lord Pablo Escobar, and Wild Robot, which features the synthetic rearing of baby geese. Matheson pointed to these narratives as reflections of “how we coexist with different species and how these interactions can be both philosophical and environmental.”
This year's festival has already garnered attention for its commendable representation of female and non-binary directors, boasting 44% of its films helmed by directors from these categories—a notable increase from 39% last year. Matheson acknowledged the strides yet to be made, stating, "While we’re seeing progress, we’re still far from achieving gender parity within the industry.”
“The thematic structure of the festival was also devised to make it easier for audiences to navigate the lineup,” Matheson explained. Themes such as Love, Debate, and Laugh highlight films fitting certain moods or genres, aiding viewers who are seeking specific types of storytelling. This careful curation of themes helps to create cohesive viewing experiences across the multitude of films.
Responding to the post-strike atmosphere, Matheson elaborated on the importance of star power and dialogue within the festival this year. "Having talented actors like Lupita Nyong'o and Daniel Kaluuya participate not just enriches our event but also opens pathways for discussions surrounding films and how they resonate with audiences,” she said.
Looking to the global stage, the festival is presenting works from countries such as Indonesia, represented by Crocodile Tears, and significant offerings from Brazil, which will contribute to the plethora of diverse voices expressed through cinema. According to Matheson, films like Baby, Cidade; Campo, and Formosa Beach from Brazil exemplify the exciting range of storytelling styles coming from there.
For animation fans, this year also includes Piece by Piece, the closing film of the festival, illustrating how established animation styles like LEGO can offer completely different visual narratives. Matheson remarked, "Animation is multiversal this year, with styles ranging from stunning hand-crafted visuals to highly-refined digital works."
Throughout her planning period, Matheson has observed numerous conversations and trends developing around the intersection of film themes, emphasizing the necessity of authentic representations of diverse stories. “The rise of more inclusive narratives is inviting filmmakers to tackle subjects like motherhood, disability, and mental health with greater authenticity and depth. These are the kinds of stories we're excited to showcase,” she commented.
Matheson expects the festival to be more than just screenings; there will be opportunities for film enthusiasts to engage directly with filmmakers through talks and discussions. With significant names like Sean Baker, Mike Leigh, and Denis Villeneuve among the speakers, the audience can look forward to dialogues around the processes and challenges of filmmaking.
Overall, the 68th BFI London Film Festival resonates with themes of motherly connections, animation brilliance, and the enchanting world of animals, framed through the lens of unique artistry from diverse cultures. The anticipation is building as cinemagoers prepare to navigate through these world premieres and compelling stories, seeking to connect through experiences playing out on the big screen.
