The 68th BFI London Film Festival has unveiled its lineup of Screen Talks, featuring a roster of high-profile filmmakers and actors.
The program includes sessions with Steve McQueen, Lupita Nyong’o, Denis Villeneuve, Andrea Arnold, Sean Baker, Daniel Kaluuya, Mike Leigh, Zoe Saldaña, and the documentary duo Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin.
Villeneuve, fresh off the success of the “Dune” films, will take audiences through his filmography, which includes “Arrival” and “Blade Runner 2049.” British filmmaker Andrea Arnold will share insights into her impact on both big and small screens, while Sean Baker, recent Palme d’Or recipient for “Anora,” will explore his approach to representing marginalized lives on film.
McQueen, whose film “Blitz” serves as the festival’s opening night gala, will discuss his work spanning both cinema and television. Oscar winner Nyong’o is set to reflect on her career trajectory from “12 Years a Slave” to recent projects like “Black Panther” and the upcoming “A Quiet Place: Day One.”
Kaluuya, known for his breakthrough in “Get Out” and subsequent roles in “Black Panther” and “Judas and the Black Messiah,” will discuss his transition to filmmaking with his directorial debut “The Kitchen,” which closed the festival in 2023.
Veteran British director Leigh will delve into his 50-year career. His talk is expected to cover his journey from early works like “Bleak Moments” and “Nuts in May” to acclaimed films such as “Life Is Sweet,” Palme D’or winner “Secrets & Lies,” and more recent productions like “Vera Drake” and “Mr. Turner.”
Saldaña, recognized for her roles in major franchises, will discuss her diverse acting career, including her performances as Uhura in “Star Trek,” Neytiri in “Avatar,” and Gamora in “Guardians of the Galaxy,” as well as her work in the upcoming series “Lioness.” Oscar-winning documentarians Chai Vasarhelyi and Chin will share insights into their process of chronicling human endurance, from their acclaimed documentary “Free Solo” to their recent venture into fiction filmmaking with “Nyad.”
The festival takes place Oct. 9-20.
Source Agencies
