First Feature Competition at the 68th BFI London Film Festival (2024)

The First Feature Competition at the 68th BFI London Film Festival 2024 is an exciting platform that celebrates bold, imaginative debuts from new directors. This year, the competition is as diverse as ever, showcasing fresh talent and unique stories from around the world, all vying for the prestigious Sutherland Award, which honors the most original and visionary directorial debut.

One of the standout entries is Crocodile Tears, a genre-blending film from writer-director Tumpal Tampubolon. This atmospheric and eerie debut is a testament to the thriving cinema culture in Southeast Asia, immersing viewers in a world where boundaries between genres and emotions blur effortlessly. Another notable contender is Hanami, Denise Fernandes’ stunning tribute to her homeland, Cape Verde. This coming-of-age drama beautifully captures the magic and rawness of life in the West African islands, a poignant exploration of identity and home.

Neo Sora’s Happyend brings a different flavor to the competition, following the success of his concert film Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus. This playful yet deeply allegorical film, set in a near-future Tokyo, weaves together futuristic anxieties with the timeless themes of youth and discovery. In Last Swim, an ambitious Iranian-British teen navigates the complexities of hope and fear on the cusp of adulthood. It’s a universal tale that resonates deeply with anyone standing at the crossroads of life, contemplating the uncertainty of the future.

Other strong entries include My Eternal Summer, a fearless, tender look at a 15-year-old girl’s tumultuous summer of change and self-discovery, and Olivia & the Clouds, a gorgeously animated film by Tomás Pichardo Espaillat that explores the lingering ghosts of a woman’s past relationship, using stunning visuals and sound design to create a dreamlike experience.

The competition also delves into more grounded stories, like On Falling, which takes us into the life of a young Portuguese warehouse worker in Scotland, highlighting the deep need for human connection. In the north India-set Santosh, a housewife-turned-cop finds herself entangled in a high-profile case, offering a thrilling look at justice and community in a taut, fast-paced thriller.

Also, Read: 68th BFI London Film Festival (2024): Meet the Powerhouse Jury

September Says by actor-turned-director Ariane Labed brings a more introspective tone, focusing on the bond between two sisters in a dark and absorbing narrative. Mahdi Fleifel’s To a Land Unknown mixes buddy drama with thriller elements, taking the audience on a tense journey through friendship and survival. Finally, Who Do I Belong To by Meryam Joobeur, builds on her Oscar-nominated short Brotherhood, diving deep into family dynamics and the pull of extremism in an emotionally charged, atmospheric debut.

Together, these films highlight the breadth and creativity of new filmmakers at the festival, offering audiences a glimpse into the future of cinema.

Source: BFI