BFI London Film Festival 2021 – the films we’re watching

The BFI London Film Festival is the cinematic event of the year, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of it. This year’s lineup is jam-packed with highly anticipated films from some of the most talented filmmakers in the industry. Here is the selection of movies we’re catching this season.

Encounter

In Encounter, Riz Ahmed plays a decorated Marine who sets out on a perilous mission to rescue his two young sons from an otherworldly threat. As the story unfolds, he realizes that the threat is far beyond what he could have imagined, and his mission becomes a battle for not just his family’s survival, but also for the fate of humanity.

Juju Stories

Juju Stories is a highly anticipated 3-part anthology film from the Surreal 16 Collective that brings to life the rich tapestry of Nigerian folklore. Each part of the film is a unique and captivating interpretation of African myths, legends and supernatural beings. The Surreal 16 Collective is a group of emerging Nigerian filmmakers who have quickly gained recognition for their bold, innovative and boundary-

Lamb

You can’t have a film festival without an A24 release. Lamb promises to deliver a unique blend of Icelandic folklore and supernatural horror. Directed by Valdimar Jóhannsson staring Noomi Rapace, Lamb is a must-see for horror fans and cinephiles alike.

The Medium

Get ready to experience chills down your spine with The Medium. This Thai horror film, directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun (known for “Shutter”) and produced by Na Hong-jin (the director of “The Wailing”), takes you on a terrifying journey into the world of shamanism. It’s got me spooked out already.

Memoria

Memoria, directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul and starring Tilda Swinton, is a film that promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. The story follows a Scottish woman who, after hearing a loud ‘bang’ at daybreak, experiences a mysterious sensory syndrome while navigating the lush jungles of Colombia. Weerasethakul, known for his unique and mesmerizing filmmaking style, has previously won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for his film Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives. With Swinton’s exceptional talent and Weerasethakul’s visionary direction, Memoria is a cinematic experience that’s not to be missed.

Neptune Frost

Neptune Frost is a Rwandan & US sci-fi afrofuturist musical co-production directed by Saul Williams & Anisia Uzeyman. The film has received early critical acclaim, with reviewers praising its visually stunning world-building and thought-provoking themes of technology, identity, and resistance.

Titane

Get ready for our most anticipated film of the festival – Titane. Following the success of her critically acclaimed film Raw, director Julia Ducournau presents this Cannes Palme d’Or winning body horror. After winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes, this film has been generating buzz. We can’t wait.

That’s a glimpse into the selection of films we’re excited to catch at the BFI London Film Festival this year, but we know there will be even more cinematic delights to discover. And with the newly renovated big screen at the Royal Festival Hall, the experience promises to be even more immersive and exciting.

Stay tuned to our podcast and social media channels for reviews, highlights, and behind-the-scenes insights from the festival. We can’t wait to share our thoughts and experiences with you as we delve into the best of the best in world cinema.