The BFI London Film Festival turns 70 this year, and it opens tonight, Wednesday 7 October, with the European premiere of Elsinore, starring Andrew Scott. The gala takes place at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, and the festival runs until Sunday 18 October in London and at partner cinemas around the UK.
Andrew Scott leads the opening night
According to the British Film Institute (BFI), Elsinore is directed by Simon Stone (The Dig) and written by Stephen Beresford (Pride). It tells the true story of the Scottish actor Ian Charleson as he prepared for his celebrated performance in Hamlet at the National Theatre. The setting gives the evening an extra local touch, as the National Theatre stands just along the river from the Royal Festival Hall.
Andrew Scott, who is also a producer on the film, plays Charleson. He is joined by an ensemble that includes Olivia Colman, Billie Piper, Johnny Flynn, Luke Thompson, Juliet Stevenson and Joe Locke, and Variety reported that cast members are expected on the red carpet. Festival artistic director Kristy Matheson described the film as one that “centres community, resistance and the triumph of art”. Elsinore reaches UK cinemas on 29 January 2027.
A 70th edition with 251 titles
The BFI says this year’s programme features 251 features, shorts, series and immersive works from 88 countries, including 33 world premieres. Films by women make up 43% of the line-up. Gala screenings include Danny Boyle’s Ink, about Rupert Murdoch’s early years on Fleet Street, Taika Waititi’s adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s Klara and the Sun, Martin McDonagh’s Wild Horse Nine and Mike Leigh’s Tender Loving Care. Television also has a place, with Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan reunited for The Trip to the Northern Lights.
The festival will close on 18 October with the UK premiere of Jesse Eisenberg’s comedy The Debut, set in the world of community theatre and starring Eisenberg, Julianne Moore, Paul Giamatti and Halle Bailey. Audiences will again be able to vote in the three Audience Awards.
Red carpet season
Premiere nights are always a showcase for evening style, where a single piece of jewellery often does the talking: think simple sapphire stud earrings or a fine sapphire bracelet worn with a dark gown or a sharp suit. If you are planning an evening look of your own this autumn, our pendant necklaces are a good place to start.
Sources: British Film Institute, “European premiere of director Simon Stone’s Elsinore to open the 70th BFI London Film Festival” (29 July 2026); BFI, “Full programme announced for 70th BFI London Film Festival” (2 September 2026); BFI, “UK premiere of director Jesse Eisenberg’s The Debut to close the 70th BFI London Film Festival” (4 August 2026); Variety, “Andrew Scott’s ‘Elsinore’ to Open London Film Festival” (29 July 2026).
