'Mirai' 'Dilili in Paris' And More To Screen At London Film Festival

For UK-based film fans, the day that the line-up of the BFI London Film Festival is revealed is keenly anticipated each year. That day has come once again, and the full schedule has now been announced.

Last year the festival was a particularly strong one for animation, with films such as The Breadwinner, Loving Vincent and The Big Bad Fox And Other Tales screening. This year is definitely a lot quieter on the animation front- but there's still some exciting films to look forward to.

The big news is that Mamoru Hosoda's latest Mirai will receive its UK premiere as part of this year's festival. Following its debut at this year's Cannes Festival and Annecy, it will screen as the Family Gala film on October 13 and 14.

Andrew Partridge of Anime Limited (who are distributing the film in the UK) says "All of us here at Anime Ltd. fell in love with Mirai the moment we first saw the film, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with National Amusements to bring such an important film to cinemas.  It is a beautiful and charming work with themes that will be recognisable to anyone, and to have it premiere in the UK as the Gala film for Family at the BFI Film Festival London is a dream come true for us."

Also screening in the festival's Family Strand is Dilili in Paris, from acclaimed French animator Michel Ocelot (Tales Of the Night). Set in Paris during 'the Belle Epoque' it follows the eponymous girl, who comes from a South Pacific French territory and her friend Orel, a delivery boy, as they uncover a mysterious conspiracy in the city.

Gordon & Paddy, a Swedish 2D animated feature will also screen at this year's festival. Based on a series of children's books it features a near-retirement detective toad (Gordon) teaming up with a mouse named Paddy to investigate a series of disappearances. It's described as "Nordic noir meets family animation".

Rounding out the new family features is  Pachamama, from director Juan Antin. Set in Peru during the time of the Incas, it follows a pair of kids who set off to rescue their village's precious golden statue. The film is from Paris-based studio Folivari, founded by Didier Brunner, producer of Ernest & Celestine, The Secret Of Kells and more.

A new Ernest & Celestine short (actually an episode of the TV series spin-off) will screen as part of the program of animated shorts, alongside Bilby, the debut short from DreamWorks Animation's new shorts initiative. 

The BFI London Film Festival will run from October 10- 21,2018. Tickets will go on sale to BFI members on Thursday, September 6, with public sales opening on Thursday, September 13. 

Bilby