National Lottery funded films selected for this year's BFI London Film Festival
30th September 2020
The programme for the BFI London Film Festival, which takes place from 7-18 October, features a whopping 14 films that have received National Lottery funding. Read on to find out our top three feature and short film highlights, all headed to the big screen thanks to the players.
Through the BFI, we support feature films, documentaries and short films made by diverse creative voices from all over the UK. This year the BFI London Film Festival is going beyond its home in London and heading UK-wide with many of these films available to watch digitally on the BFI Player, including some for free!
Feature Films:
1) After Love, director Aleem Khan
After her husband dies unexpectedly, Mary Hussain discovers a secret about his life, across in Channel in Calais, and sets off to uncover the truth. A portrait of two women who are separated by cultural difference, just 20 miles apart.
https://www.bfi.org.uk/london-film-festival/screenings/after-love
2) Ammonite, director Francis Lee
Starring Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan, Ammonite is a fictionalised account of 19th
century palaeontologist Mary Anning, set in the seaside location of Lyme Regis. Francis Lee previously directed National Lottery funded God’s Own Country.
https://www.bfi.org.uk/london-film-festival/screenings/ammonite
3) One Man & His Shoes, director Yemi Bamiro
In his full length debut, director Yemi Bamiro delves into the cultural and commercial phenomena of Michael Jordan, and how his trainer brand made Nike one of the most profitable companies in the world. The film explores the backdrop of the pop culture milestones of the 80s and 90s, and how brands stoked American’s toxic obsession with consumerism and celebrity.
And don’t miss African Apocalypse, Herself, Limbo, Supernova, The Reason I Jump, and Wildfire – other fantastic National Lottery funded films on the programme this year.
Short films:
1) An Everyday Act, director Gavin Scott Whitfield
12 year old Eric leaves his childhood behind after committing a terrible act, but only to help his family survive.
https://www.bfi.org.uk/london-film-festival/screenings/everyday-act
2) Bitter Sky, director Joseph Ollman
In the depths of the Welsh countryside, Nia is missing her mother and reams of escape.
https://www.bfi.org.uk/london-film-festival/screenings/bitter-sky
3) Majority, director Tessa Hoffee
With Brexit looming, a small community reveal their attitudes about who they think don’t belong.
https://www.bfi.org.uk/london-film-festival/screenings/majority
And don’t miss the other National Lottery funded short films, including Shagbands, Bitter Sky and Expensive Shit.