Andy Serkis’ period drama has been chosen to kick off this year’s festival.
The 61st BFI London Film Festival will kick off on Wednesday 4 October with the European premiere of Breathe. Directed by Andy Serkis, the film is based on the true story of Robin Cavendish, a prominent campaigner for the disabled during the middle part of the 20th century who was left paralysed by polio while on a trip to Africa.
Andrew Garfield steps into the lead role alongside The Crown’s Claire Foy as Cavendish’s wife, Diana. It’s being pitched as a heartwarming tale of young love and human endurance, and sounds like a fitting curtain-raiser for the most prestigious event on the UK film calendar.
LFF director Clare Stewart has said of the film’s opening slot selection: “We are proud to be opening the 61st BFI London Film Festival with a film that is a beacon for remarkable British talent: the directorial debut of Andy Serkis, compelling performances from a stellar cast led by Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy, and a story of universal resonance that is also deeply personal for producer Jonathan Cavendish.
“Breathe is not only an inspirational love story, it is also a film about two truly indomitable spirits who defy the odds and the sceptics to pave the way for change.”
The 61st BFI London Film Festival runs 4-15 October, 2017. The full Festival programme will be announced on Thursday 31 August. Breathe is release nationwide on 27 October.
Published 29 Jun 2017
London Symphony is a collage of scenes capturing the richness and poetry of life in the British capital.
This year’s bumper line-up boasts 114 films directed or co-directed by women.
Short films such as Women in Industry and Playing with Fire are a fascinating time capsule of postwar Britain.
Little White Lies was established in 2005 as a bi-monthly print magazine committed to championing great movies and the talented people who make them. Combining cutting-edge design, illustration and journalism, we’ve been described as being “at the vanguard of the independent publishing movement.” Our reviews feature a unique tripartite ranking system that captures the different aspects of the movie-going experience. We believe in Truth & Movies.
