Love, Crime and Protest: BFI London Film Fest Showcases Nine Cutting-Edge Works-in-Progress U.K. Features

As a seasoned connoisseur of British cinema, I eagerly anticipate the BFI London Film Festival’s Works-in-Progress Showcase. The diverse lineup this year is nothing short of breathtaking, with each project promising to weave compelling stories that tug at our heartstrings and challenge our perceptions.


At its fifth annual “Works-in-Progress Showcase,” the BFI London Film Festival will reveal an assortment of intriguing U.K. films, giving us a sneak peek at the direction British cinema is heading in the future.

Nine diverse projects spanning genres from hard-hitting documentaries to quirky comedies are set to be showcased to industry experts on October 12 at London’s Picturehouse Central. The assortment encompasses “Be of Good Behaviour,” a film by directors Giulio Gobbetti and Jan Stöckel, which chronicles the lives of two individuals as they adjust to life outside prison after serving their sentences. In another offering, Richard Bracewell’s “Chicken Town” narrates the tale of an individual’s homecoming to his town following a stint in prison for a crime he did not commit.

Sarah Elizabeth Drummond’s documentary “Don’t Say Gay” delves into the effects of discriminatory law Section 28 during the 1980s in Britain, whereas Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor’s “Dreamers” narrates a romantic tale unfolding within an immigration detention center. Felipe Bustos Sierra’s “Everybody to Kenmure Street” chronicles a neighborhood’s reaction after an immigration roundup took place in Glasgow.

Daniel Gough’s personal documentary, titled “Night Gardener,” delves into his connection with his deceased father. Meanwhile, Liam Calvert’s “On a Winter Night” chronicles the journey of two individuals seeking purpose in London, and Brian Durnin’s “Spilt Milk” presents a tale of maturation set in 1984 Dublin. Lastly, Ondine Viñao’s “Two Neighbors” is a dark comedy that draws inspiration from Aesop’s fable “Avaricious and Envious.

The event is a significant part of the U.K. Talent Days within the festival, collaborating with the British Council. Its purpose is to highlight both up-and-coming directors and seasoned filmmakers. This occasion offers international buyers, U.K. representatives in sales, and festival programmers a chance to preview exclusive snippets from each project, with the filmmakers presenting their work personally.

The display boasts a history of backing projects that eventually thrive in prestigious international film festivals and distribution, with notable graduates such as “The Ceremony” directed by Jack King, “Girl” produced by Adura Onashile, and “Hoard” created by Luna Carmoon.

Kristy Matheson, head of the BFI London Film Festival, mentioned that their “Works-in-Progress” exhibition provides a lively platform for exploring new creative ideas and linking filmmakers with industry professionals such as sales representatives, distributors, and festival planners.

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2024-09-25 15:16