The 70th edition of the BFI London Film Festival took place from Wednesday 7 October to Sunday 18 October. The festival showcased exclusive screenings of upcoming releases in London and across the UK, celebrating the most exciting, innovative new films and cinematic storytelling.
Last year, the BFI London Film Festival showcased some big Awards season winners, including Hamnet and Sentimental Value, which performed extremely well with ABC1 audiences. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that this year’s LFF selection also includes one’s to watch for the upcoming 2027 awards season, as well as prime opportunities for brands to reach ABC1 adult audiences.
The DCM Team were in attendance at this year’s BFI London Film Festival, and here’s what they had to say about the exciting films on show:
I Love Boosters
“Undoubtedly the zaniest film of the festival, I Love Boosters see’s Boots Riley return to the big screen for the first time since Sorry To Bother You. I could easily make an argument for this being the funniest film of the festival, and the audience at the gala seemed to agree. Riley has such a unique skill when it comes to his writing and directing, balancing outrageous humour and narrative with an extremely powerful take on the evils of capitalism, and how it’s affects have far reaching repercussions across the globe.
It’s hard to imagine a world where this film doesn’t pick up every nomination it can for it’s costume design. But above all, this film would be nothing without its sensational female cast – led by the always incredible Keke Palmer.
A celebration of everything unique in the world, this film really is the epitome of original storytelling on the big screen!”
Korrine Eshun, Account Director
Wild Horse Nine
“McDonagh’s only gone and done it again! In his funniest film yet, John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell give hysterical performances as two CIA agents vacationing on Easter Island – you can just tell they had the best time making this. The whole screening room was howling from start to finish, and like all of McDonagh’s previous films, it still has plenty of heart. Mr Malkovich will clean up at this year’s Awards Season.”
Scott Meenan, Creative Lead - DCM Studios
La Bola Negra
“I was genuinely floored by La Bola Negra. A queer EPIC and one of the best films I’ve ever seen. A 10/10 experience to witness the three stories slowly weave together and deliver such an emotional, powerful and satisfying final act.
The film was visually stunning and the score was perfect. This was the first time I’ve not seen a single person move once the credits roll; everyone was just sat in awe and rightfully so!”
Kian Galloway , Junior Project Manager – DCM Studios
“This was truly breath-taking… an epic love story set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. All the performances are incredibly moving and the use of music in the film is nothing short of magical. My favourite film of the year so far. I was an absolute wreck by the end. The Odyssey is starting to sweat and look over it’s shoulder… this film could go all the way and win Best Picture.”
Scott Meenan, Creative Lead - DCM Studios
Your Mother, Your Mother, Your Mother
Release Date: 20 November 2026
“Is there anything that Mahershala Ali can’t do? Featuring in almost all scenes, Ali combines humour, guilt, grief and the ability to kick ass with a samurai sword - to bring to life one of the most personable characters I saw throughout the festival.
The film centres around a newly widowed father, who’s search for breast milk for his baby is put in jeopardy by a group of dangerous men he is in debt to. Faced with little choice, he attempts the flee the country with his three children, the oldest of whom is being forced to grow up too quickly.
The film is a stunning commentary of fatherhood, which has been shot and coloured in the most luxurious tones that give the film and fresh and exited feel, reflected by the real buzz from the audience felt when you left the cinema.”
Korrine Eshun, Account Director
Behemoth!
“I love it when I go into a film with little to no expectations and leave having found a new favourite. Easily one of the best films I saw this festival, Behemoth! sees a fantastic Pedro Pascal as a cellist, facing the reality of how a life dedicated to one thing can put strains on the relationships we form throughout life.
The film uses music to drive the narrative, creating some of the most uniquely exciting sequences I saw across the festival, making what on paper sounds a dry subject topic – weirdly exhilarating. The film is topped off with a number of small but impactful supporting roles from the likes of Will Arnett and Hank Azaria, but it’s Olivia Wilde whose scene stealing performance of a jilted former partner of Pascal who gave my favourite performance of the whole film.
One not to miss for anyone with a love of music or looking for a fresh take on the drama genre.”
Korrine Eshun, Account Director
The Debut
“Julianne Moore is winning that Oscar! It might be early, but it’s hard to see how anyone will watch The Debut and not fall in love with her, Mona and Miss Danielle.
Seemingly invisible to everyone around her, Moore’s timid character Mona finds a new lease of life when she’s cast as Miss Danielle in a regional musical production. Led by a fantastic Paul Giamatti, rehearsals for the play progress with increasing intensity which leads in a direction the audience would never see coming.
You would’ve never been able to tell it was early on a Sunday morning at the end of the festival, from the way the audience in my press screening embraced this film. Non-stop laughing, some singing a long at the credits song and everyone breaking into applause mid film (after a particularly rousing scene from Moore) – this makes for the perfect closing film and a fantastic crowd pleaser for all ages when it’s released at the start of next year.”
Korrine Eshun, Account Director
Artificial
“A thoroughly interesting biopic on the omnipotent Open AI. It had a wonderful balance of mockery and downright horror, as we learn how the hubris of man has once again steered us in a terrifying and completely unnecessary direction. Great performances all around, especially the charming Yura Borisov! I hope it can push the public to take a more cautionary and educated approach to the increasing accessibility of AI at our fingertips.”
Kian Galloway , Junior Project Manager – DCM Studios
“Even as a non-tech type, Artificial was accessible, zeroing in on the worst people you can imagine shaping our future. Artificial terrifies as it highlights the moral flexibility of those in charge. We follow Ilya who is the heart of the film, as he learns about people alongside his AI. Your heart breaks for him as he becomes more entwined with Sam Altman, realising too late that these people are not what he thought. I loved it, but I definitely didn’t like it!”
Frances Scudder, Creative Lead - DCM Studios
Elsinore
“Moving but never mawkish, Elsinore is all about the acting with a heart-breaking central performance by Andrew Scott.
As Ian Charleson, Scott is defiant in the face of death. The film is gut-wrenching and doesn’t shy away from the reality of an illness that destroyed so many lives, yet he projects such fire and passion that the only remaining feeling when the credits role is hope.”
Frances Scudder, Creative Lead - DCM Studios
Find out more about all upcoming films at www.dcm.co.uk/films
