The opening film of the 56th BFI London Film Festival has been announced, and it’ll be Tim Burton’s stop-motion movie Frankenweenie getting the honour, with the film receiving its European Premiere at the LFF Opening Night Gala on Wednesday October 10th.
In partnership with American Express and Disney, and in a first for the Festival, the Opening Night screening and red carpet will go live from Odeon Leicester Square to BFI Imax and 30 screens across the UK. The Festival will also host The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition from 17-21 October.
Frankenweenie is a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life – with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victors fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life can be monstrous. The film’s voice cast includes Catherine OHara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer, Robert Capron, Conchata Ferrell and Winona Ryder. Disney will release the film in the UK on 17 October.
Tim Burton, Winona Ryder, Martin Short, Catherine OHara, Martin Landau, Producer Allison Abbate and Executive Producer Don Hahn are expected to attend the Festival. Producer Allison Abbate comments: “I am delighted that Frankenweenies, which was produced here in London at 3 Mills Studios, will be opening the 56th BFI London Film Festival. Living and working in the UK, I’ve been able to collaborate with some of the most talented artists in the industry including the puppet designers and fabricators from Manchester-based Mackinnon & Saunders. In the last nine years, Ive attended the Festival as both a filmmaker and guest, and I know how passionate and enthusiastic the audiences are, so I am thrilled to share the films European Premiere with them.
The 56th BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express runs from Wednesday 10th October-Sunday 21st October. The full programme for the Festival will be announced at the press launch on Wednesday 5th September.