Film adaptation of the hit West End musical will receive its world premiere at the Southbank Centre in October.
We’re getting closer to that time of the year again, London film lovers. The BFI London Film Festival is fast approaching and news of the titles that might appear are starting to trickle in.
The Opening Film has now been announced and it’s… Road Dahl’s Matilda The Musical! Starring Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch, Stephen Graham and Alisha Weir as Matilda, the film will open the festival with pizzazz. Matilda The Musical is then set to premiere in cinemas December 2, courtesy of Sony Pictures UK and TriStar Pictures.
The film’s director, Matthew Wachus said: “What a delight to be opening this tremendous film festival with singing, dancing, green hair and chocolate cake. It’s a real honour to be sharing this joyful and empowering tale of a little girl’s courage and compassion at such a prestigious event.”
BFI London Film Festival director Tricia Tuttle spoke of her love for the original stage show in a statement. “Like so many people who have been lucky enough to see it, I am a massive fan of this original stage musical, with Tim Minchin’s infectiously brilliant songs bringing new depth to a classic of children’s literature. With Screenwriter Dennis Kelly, Matthew Warchus has smartly adapted his own production for the screen with absolute verve and gusto.”
Matilda The Musical follows the young Matilda (Alisha Weir), a girl full of curiosity and spirit, who attends the pretty horrible school of Crunchem Hall, led by the even more horrible Miss Trunchbull (Emma Thompson). Filled with an overwhelming sense of justice, Matilda goes up against Trunchbull’s bullying leadership in this delightful musical adaptation.
The 66th BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express takes place from Wednesday 5 October – Sunday 16 October, 2022. The BFI LFF Programme Launch will take place on Thursday 1 September, 2022.
