London Film Festival Announces World Premieres and European Debuts
The world premiere of a new work by Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, Pinocchio, is set to screen during the 66th London Film Festival. The festival, a cornerstone of the autumn season, will run from October 5 through October 16, with the competition lineup unveiled this week by the festival organizers. The announcement signals a rich slate of premieres and high profile debuts that aim to captivate audiences across the city.
The animated musical, based on the classic tale by Carlo Collodi, follows the adventures of a wooden boy who is revived in Italy amid the rise of Mussolini and the dawn of fascism. The film uses music, fantasy, and historical context to explore themes of identity, belonging, and resilience, all through the lens of a story the public has cherished for generations.
On the festival roster, notable names include Gregory Mann and Ewan McGregor, who are part of a project connected with British musician Yungblud. The collaboration promises a distinctive cross-media experience that blends animation, performance, and contemporary music, reflecting the festival’s willingness to experiment with form.
Also among the audience favorites is an adaptation of the Matilda musical, featuring a collaborative effort between choreographer Akram Khan and director Asif Kapadia. This production showcases the festival’s emphasis on stage-to-screen crossovers and live performance energy translated onto the screen for cinema audiences.
In another highlight, the competition calendar includes the European premiere of Empire of Light, Sam Mendes’ forthcoming project. Mendes, known for his distinctive storytelling, brings a new cinematic voice to the festival, inviting viewers to experience a distinct emotional landscape and visual craft.
As part of the festival’s international reach, several of the film’s directors and lead actors are expected to attend screenings in London around mid-October. Olivia Colman, Michael Ward, Colin Firth, and Toby Jones are among the cast members planned to travel to the British capital, contributing to the festival’s festive and star-studded atmosphere. The visit underscores the event’s role as a key cultural moment in the UK film calendar.
“This is probably the richest selection of world premieres we’ve had the privilege of hosting at the festival,” said Tricia Tuttle, the director of the competition, in a formal statement. Her comments reflect the pride of the festival’s programming team as they showcase a diverse set of first-time screenings and anticipated titles.