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Andrew Scott Shines in Homecoming LFF Opener
7 Oct
Summary
- Elsinore, a film about actor Ian Charleson, opened the BFI London Film Festival.
- Andrew Scott stars as Charleson, preparing for Hamlet while ill with AIDS.
- The festival celebrates its 70th anniversary with diverse film selections.
The 2026 BFI London Film Festival commenced its run on Wednesday evening with the premiere of Elsinore. This film, a frontrunner for awards season, tells the poignant true story of actor Ian Charleson. It chronicles his preparation for a Hamlet role at London's National Theatre while he was seriously ill with AIDS.
Simon Stone directed the film, which screened with cast members including Andrew Scott, Olivia Colman, and Billie Piper. The movie previously debuted at the Telluride Film Festival to enthusiastic reviews. Andrew Scott, reflecting on his role, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting the progress for openly gay actors in film.
The festival, celebrating its 70th anniversary, will showcase a diverse program. Highlights include Ava DuVernay's 14th and Jordan Firstman's Club Kid. The documentary competition will be led by jury head Sam Pollard, who is also screening his new film, Tutu, about Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Other notable screenings include Brad Bird's animated feature Ray Gunn and a new restoration of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's Gone to Earth. The festival is set to close on October 18 with Jesse Eisenberg's The Debut.
