Official Competition Highlights: 68th BFI London Film Festival

The 68th BFI London Film Festival’s Official Competition is an exciting showcase of some of the most inventive and thought-provoking films from across the globe, competing for the prestigious Best Film Award. Each entry reflects a unique cinematic voice, exploring themes ranging from personal struggles to political conflicts, all crafted by directors with distinct perspectives.

April, directed by Dea Kulumbegashvili, delves deep into rural Georgian life, centering on the moral and emotional dilemmas faced by a doctor. Kulumbegashvili, a rising star in the film world, previously made waves with her debut Beginning (2020), which won the FIPRESCI Prize at Cannes. With April, she continues her exploration of personal resilience amidst societal rigidity, painting a vivid portrait of strength and morality.

In Christopher Andrews’ feature debut, Bring Them Down, the rugged beauty of rural Ireland serves as the backdrop for a fierce family feud. Starring Christopher Abbott (It Comes at Night) and Barry Keoghan (The Banshees of Inisherin), both of whom are known for their intensity and layered performances, the film offers a powerful exploration of masculinity, tradition, and survival. Andrews’ background in short films has honed his ability to create atmospheric tension, something that is on full display here.

The Extraordinary Miss Flower, from creative duo Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, brings another biographical gem to the screen. Known for their highly imaginative work on 20,000 Days on Earth, the pair returns with this whimsical yet profound narrative. Forsyth and Pollard have made a name for themselves with their unique ability to blend reality with fantasy, making this biographical piece not just a recounting of a life but an exploration of identity and memory.

In Darren Thornton’s Four Mothers, an Irish adaptation of Gianni Di Gregorio’s Mid-August Lunch (2008), audiences are treated to a comedic yet heartfelt story of a son juggling the wildly different demands of four mothers. Thornton, known for his breakout hit A Date for Mad Mary (2016), is adept at capturing the intricacies of familial relationships, adding his own cultural spin to the Italian original with his sharp, witty dialogue.

From Japan, Mipo O delivers her much-anticipated sixth feature, Living in Two Worlds, which tackles the life of a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) navigating between sound and silence. O’s previous work, like The Light Shines Only There (2014), has established her as a filmmaker who deftly handles complex emotional narratives, and Living in Two Worlds promises to be another poignant exploration of identity and belonging.

Oscar®-winner Adam Elliot brings his signature stop-motion animation back to the big screen with Memoir of a Snail, a quirky and emotional story of separated twins in 1970s Australia. Elliot, best known for Harvie Krumpet (2003) and Mary and Max (2009), continues to masterfully weave humor and melancholy into his work, making Memoir of a Snail a standout in the competition.

On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, by Rungano Nyoni, follows her remarkable BAFTA-winning debut I Am Not a Witch (2017). Nyoni once again tackles themes of tradition, abuse, and resilience within a Zambian family. Her atmospheric storytelling and keen understanding of cultural complexities make this film a haunting continuation of her powerful body of work.

Thank You for Banking With Us!, directed by newcomer Laila Abbas, offers a thrilling and emotional journey about two sisters racing to secure their inheritance amidst patriarchal pressures. Abbas’ eye for social commentary, coupled with her dynamic storytelling, ensures that this film will resonate with anyone who has ever fought against injustice.

In Under the Volcano, a Ukrainian family on holiday is thrust into chaos as political turmoil suddenly erupts into war, forcing them into the life of refugees. This timely narrative speaks to the global refugee crisis and the devastation of war, capturing the emotional upheaval and uncertainty that come with displacement. The film is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the suddenness with which it can be shattered.

Vermiglio, directed by Maura Delpero, takes viewers to a remote Italian village, where a family’s peaceful existence is gradually torn apart. Delpero, who gained international attention with Maternal (2019), is known for her quiet, introspective storytelling. Her ability to draw tension from the ordinary makes Vermiglio an emotionally charged and visually stunning addition to the competition.

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Finally, The Wolves Always Come at Night takes hybrid documentary filmmaking to new heights. Set in rural Mongolia, the film provides an intimate portrait of a family’s life, blending fiction and reality to create a deeply moving experience. This entry exemplifies the power of documentary to transcend conventional boundaries and offers a fresh perspective on life in one of the world’s most remote locations.

The Official Competition at the 68th BFI London Film Festival showcases an eclectic mix of bold, innovative filmmaking. From stop-motion animation to emotionally charged dramas, each film represents the cutting edge of contemporary cinema, pushing boundaries and challenging audiences to see the world in new and unexpected ways.

68th BFI London Film Festival run from 9 to 20 October 2024.

Source: BFI