It’s nearly that time again… Yes, the 55th BFI London Film Festival is getting ever closer, bringing the usual hefty programme of world cinematic delights. And while the full schedule won’t be announced until September 7, the festival team have revealed the opening film: Fernando Meirelles’ new drama, 360.
With a script from Peter Morgan and featuring the likes of Anthony Hopkins, Jude Law, Rachel Weisz, Ben Foster and Moritz Bleibtreu, 360 is a kaleidoscope of interconnected love and linking characters from different cities and countries in a tale of romantic life in the 21st century. Starting in Vienna, the film weaves through Paris, London, Bratislava, Rio, Denver and Phoenix. Which is not your usual holiday route.
We're told, "From a simple decision made by one man – to remain faithful to his wife – springs a series of consequences. From uplifting, beautiful and romantic moments through to desperate, confused and conflicted interludes, each protagonist in 360 has their own vivid, entertaining, funny, tragic story."
Meirelles is no stranger to the festival, having opened it in 2005 with The Constant Gardener. “In the past decade I’ve been to the BFI London Film Festival six times, some of them as a guest, and some as part of the audience. The BFI London Film Festival is one of the best festivals in the world due to its selection of films and the number of theatres the films are shown in,” he said in a statement. “I am very honoured 360, an intimate film that talks about our options in life, has been chosen to open the Festival this year, and I want to thank Sandra Hebron for extending this prestigious invitation to me for a second time.”
Hebron, the festival’s artistic director is also pleased: “'I'm delighted that 360 will be our opening night film, and very pleased to welcome back Fernando Meirelles and Peter Morgan to the Festival. With its impeccable film making credentials and intriguing premise, 360 combines masterful visual story telling with a modern and moving narrative, helped by strong performances from a terrific ensemble cast. It will be a pleasure to open this year's Festival with such an accomplished film from one of international cinema's finest film makers.”
The 55th London BFI Film Festival will run from October 12-27 this year.