Glenn Close's 'The Summer Book' Graces BFI London Film Festival
Exciting Additions to the BFI London Film Festival: 'The Summer Book'
The anticipation builds as the BFI London Film Festival announces the world premiere of The Summer Book, directed by the talented Charlie McDowell and featuring the legendary Glenn Close. This film is part of a splendid line-up that includes six other remarkable films, making it a must-watch for cinema enthusiasts.
From Page to Screen: McDowell's adaptation is inspired by the beloved work of Tove Jansson, the genius behind the Moomins. The Summer Book is an English-language rendition of Jansson’s novel, Sommarboken, showcasing not just Close but also the talented Anders Danielsen Lie from The Worst Person In The World and the promising newcomer Emily Matthews. The story revolves around a family navigating their emotions during a summer on a serene island in the Gulf of Finland after the loss of their mother. This poignant tale will be featured as part of the Special Presentation section.
But that’s not all! Joining the prestigious festival is the international premiere of Ellis Park, the first non-fiction project from acclaimed filmmaker Justin Kurzel, known for his stunning adaptation of Macbeth. This documentary paints an intimate portrait of Australian musician Warren Ellis and chronicles his inspiring journey to the wildlife sanctuary he co-founded in Indonesia. It has already made waves at the Melbourne film festival, and now it’s set to capture hearts at the BFI London Film Festival.
A Celebration of New Voices in Film
The festival also welcomes the European premiere of The Assessment, an exceptional feature debut by Paris and London-based director Fleur Fortuné. This sci-fi film boasts an impressive cast, including Elizabeth Olsen, Himesh Patel, and Alicia Vikander, and follows a riveting narrative that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats following its premiere in Toronto.
Additional highlights include the UK premieres of: