The BFI London Film Festival is well underway

CAIRO – 5 October 2017: The 61st edition of the BFI London Film Festival is now underway, starting from October 4 until October 15. The festival boasts 243 feature films across 67 countries and 15 cinemas.

Egypt Today takes a look at some of the films being showcased.

"Breathe" - Dir. Andy Serkis (Premieres October 13 in the USA)



Special effects actor-turned-director Andy Serkis commences the film festival with his debut “Breathe,” which stars Andrew Garfield. Based on a true story, the film is about love story between Robin and Diana Cavendish, a couple madly in love with a bright future ahead of them.

Unfortunately, Robin comes down with Polio, and is told by doctors that he will die soon. Rather than let the disease win, Robin flees the hospital with the help of Diana’s family, traveling the world and raising their son as they seek to help others suffering from the disease.

"I Am Not A Witch" - Dir. Rungano Nyoni (Premieres October 20 in the UK)


When an 8-year-old girl named Shula finds herself accused of witchcraft in Zambia, she’s exiled to live in a camp in this humorously satirical debut by Zambian-Welsh director Rungano Nyoni. Casting a light on real issues that affect young girls in the country, Nyoni points out how harmful irrational superstition can be as Shula is paraded across the country to perform ‘miracles.’ The film also points out the ways in which superstitious belief is used when convenient, and how an entire tourist industry in Zambia has sprung up around witches.

"Looking for Oum Kulthum" – Dir. Shirin Neshat & Shoja Azari (Premieres March 29, 2018 in Germany)



A special presentation for the festival, "Looking for Oum Kulthum" tells of a female Iranian filmmaker living in exile and the film she’s making about Egypt’s legendary voice, Oum Kulthum, paralleling the lives of the director and her subject as they overcome the sexist prejudice heaped on them by Middle Eastern society.

"The Killing of a Sacred Deer" – Dir. Yorgos Lanthimos (November 3 in the UK)



Colin Farrel and Nicole Kidman star in this dark psychological horror film from Greek director of "Dogtooth and Lobster," Yorgos Lanthimos. Farrel plays famed surgeon Steven Murphy, who has everything, a loving wife, Anna, and a stable, successful career.

Everything takes a turn for the worst, however, after Steven takes an interest in a young teenage boy, Martin, played by "Dunkirk" star Barry Keoghan. Deciding to mentor him, Steven is led down a path that shatters his happy family life as Martin begins enacting a dark scheme.