All articles tagged with #bfi london film festival
Jesse Eisenberg stated that winning a Razzie for 'Batman v Superman' caused him to abandon acting in favor of directing. He claimed the award signaled industry rejection, leading him to write and direct films to sustain his career. This shift culminated in his recent directorial work, including 'The Debut' and 'A Real Pain.'
Jesse Eisenberg stated that winning a Razzie for 'Batman v Superman' caused him to abandon acting in favor of directing. He claimed the award signaled industry rejection, leading him to write and direct films to sustain his career. This shift culminated in his recent directorial work, including 'The Debut' and 'A Real Pain.'
Jesse Eisenberg used a London Film Festival appearance to discuss his new musical comedy 'The Debut' and reveal that his next project is a television series. He recounted the unpredictable nature of working with Kieran Culkin on 'A Real Pain,' noting that Culkin’s unreliability required a flexible shooting style. Eisenberg also highlighted his long-standing professional partnership with producer Emma Stone, who has financed his recent films.
Taika Waititi's adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel premiered at the 70th BFI London Film Festival on October 15, 2026, featuring a star-studded cast including Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams. Despite a high-profile red carpet event, the film faces a challenging theatrical release on October 23 amid overwhelmingly negative critical reviews that describe it as a tonal mismatch and sentimental failure.
Wicker, a fantasy romantic comedy directed by Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston Fischer, has become a cultural phenomenon following its festival run. Adapted from Ursula Wills-Jones’ short story, the film stars Olivia Colman as an ostracized fisherwoman who commissions a basket weaver, played by Peter Dinklage, to craft her a husband out of wicker. Alexander Skarsgård portrays the enchanted spouse, whose practical suit was developed by Weta Workshop. The film has sparked massive online engagement, particularly regarding its erotic scenes and satirical take on marriage, while receiving mixed critical reviews.
Producer Pippa Harris confirmed at the BFI London Film Festival that Sam Mendes' four-part Beatles biopic series will release in cinemas across April 2028. The strategy aims to create a 'cumulative power' greater than the sum of its parts, allowing audiences to view the films within the same month rather than on a single day.
Ava DuVernay declared the traditional studio system obsolete during a London Film Festival event, linking the collapse of Hollywood to the rise of MAGA politics. She discussed her new documentary, '14th,' which examines the erosion of the 14th Amendment, and advocated for crowdfunding as a viable alternative to traditional financing.
Javier Bardem revealed at the BFI London Film Festival that he initially declined the role of Raoul Silva in Skyfall due to nervousness. He later convinced director Sam Mendes to incorporate a sexually charged dynamic between Silva and Bond, a choice Bardem credits for the scene's lasting impact. Bardem also credited supporting actor Gene Jones with half of his Oscar win for No Country for Old Men, emphasizing the importance of collaborative acting. He noted that acting remains a vital profession in the age of AI, as it preserves human emotional connection with audiences.
Brad Bird discussed his 30-year development of 'Ray Gunn' and his career trajectory at the BFI London Film Festival. He explained his departure from Disney due to creative conflicts and praised Steven Spielberg's leadership. The film, starring Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson, is set for a December release.
Florence Pugh and Finn Cole made their first joint red carpet appearance at the 2026 BFI London Film Festival on October 9. The couple, both 30, have been linked since mid-2024 but have largely kept their relationship private. Pugh explained her preference for privacy in a recent interview, stating she values their happiness and stability over public exposure. This event marked a significant public milestone for the pair, who were first spotted together at Glastonbury in 2024.
Alexander Skarsgård ignited a social media debate at the 'Wicker' premiere by wearing transparent Saint Laurent shoes, dividing fans between praise for his bold style and criticism of the practicality of the look.
The 70th BFI London Film Festival (Oct. 7-18) has announced a 251-title lineup featuring world premieres of Brad Bird’s ‘Ray Gunn’ and Travis Knight’s ‘Wildwood.’ The festival includes 33 world premieres, 109 works by female filmmakers, and gala screenings of major titles like Danny Boyle’s ‘Ink’ and Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Artificial.’
The 69th BFI London Film Festival announced its 2025 lineup featuring notable films such as Chloé Zhao's 'Hamnet,' Bradley Cooper's 'Is This Thing On?,' and a Kate Moss biopic 'Moss & Freud,' along with other premieres and industry events, highlighting a diverse and star-studded program.
Rian Johnson's third Knives Out film, 'Wake Up Dead Man,' will open the 69th BFI London Film Festival with a star-studded cast including Daniel Craig, Josh O'Connor, and Glenn Close, premiering on Netflix in December.
Tricia Tuttle, former head of the BFI London Film Festival, has been appointed as the new director of the Berlin Film Festival starting in 2024. Tuttle will succeed Carlo Chatrian and Mariette Rissenbeek, who have co-led the festival since 2020. The Berlin Film Festival is the second largest international film festival in the world and hosts the European Film Market. Tuttle, known for her work in expanding the BFI London Film Festival, expressed excitement about leading the Berlinale and bringing both established and underrepresented voices to the festival.