Record Attendance at London Film Festival; ‘Hamnet’ Secures Audience Award
Chloé Zhao’s film, Hamnet, has achieved remarkable recognition by winning the London Film Festival Audience Award. This announcement was made by the British Film Institute (BFI) this week. The adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s work was featured as part of the Mayor of London Gala during the festival. Zhao attended the event alongside lead actors Jesse Buckley and Paul Mescal, along with high-profile producers like Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes.
Other Awards and Notable Mentions
In addition to Hamnet, the documentary Black Is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story by Yemi Bamiro won the Audience Award for Best British Discovery. This film serves as a poignant tribute to the lesser-known photographer and freedom fighter who played a vital role in popularizing the transformative “Black Is Beautiful” movement.
2023 London Film Festival Highlights
This year’s London Film Festival showcased an impressive lineup of 252 films from 79 countries. The event provided UK audiences with their first glimpse of several titles, including:
- 28 World Premieres: 7 features, 1 series, 19 shorts, 1 immersive experience.
- 11 International Premieres: 11 features, 1 short.
- 20 European Premieres: 12 features, 7 shorts, 1 immersive experience.
Record Attendance at LFF
The BFI reported a record attendance of 235,853 visitors at this year’s festival. This figure includes both industry delegates and participants in the LFF for Free programme. Kristy Matheson, the Director of the BFI London Film Festival, expressed her gratitude to the artists involved. She stated, “Our biggest thanks go to the artists who generously shared their unique views of the world with us this year.”
Matheson noted the festival’s success in fostering engagement between the industry and audiences through screenings, workshops, exhibitions, and immersive experiences. The significant turnout underscores the enduring appeal and comfort found in screen culture.
