Neal Street News

Sam Mendes' Empire of Light starring Olivia Colman and Micheal Ward was showcased at the London Film Festival this October and was chosen as this year's American Express Gala. 

Tricia Tuttle, BFI London Film Festival Director, said: “When I read that Sam Mendes’ next project was centred around a cinema, I was so excited about the possibility of being able to present it in the BFI London Film Festival. Mendes is a masterful storyteller and here vividly captures a sense of the south coast of England, in the 1980s. Empire of Light explores the importance of community, the power of storytelling and of the movies, specifically the thrill of watching a film in a dark cinema, and the tactile pleasures of celluloid. And these are themes so close to our hearts at the BFI. The entire ensemble cast is truly exceptional, with Olivia Colman and Micheal Ward offering stunning central performances. We are so looking forward to presenting the European Premiere of Empire of Light as the American Express Gala at the 66th BFI London Film Festival.”

The gala marks Sam Mendes' return to the LFF since he first attended in 1999 with his directorial debut, American Beauty. Sam said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be included in this year’s BFI London Film Festival as the AMEX Gala screening. Empire of Light is a very personal movie for me, and I can’t wait to show it in my home town.”

19/10/22