Sir Steve’s Mangrove to open London Film Fest
Mangrove will open the BFI London Film Festival, it has been announced.
It is one of five films from director Sir Steve Mcqueen’s Small Axe anthology series for BBC One.
It will be part of the festival’s expanded online presence and regional screenings, prompted by the coronavirus pandemic and concerns over accessibility. The majority of this year’s festival will feature virtual premieres from a programme of more than 55 films, many with an introduction and Q&A, as well as talks, roundtables and a new exhibition of immersive art.
Mangrove, which stars Letitia Wright, Shaun Parkes and Malachi Kirby, will receive its European premiere on 7 October.
The film comes after the 50th anniversary of the march of 150 protesters of West Indian, African and South Asian heritage in Notting Hill, west London.
Speaking ahead of the film’s launch, Sir Steve said: “I couldn’t be happier that Mangrove will open this year’s BFI London Film Festival. Although the themes are universal, Mangrove is a London story.
“It may have happened 50 years ago, but it’s as relevant today as it was then.”