This year’s BFI London Film Festival has revealed a host of talents joining the Screen Talks line-up, including Screen Talks star Andrew Scott. Sherlock, Flea bag And recently, pressure; Cynthia Erivo, nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in the film evil, Social network actor-turned-filmmaker Jesse Eisenberg; And two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali, best known for his roles in… moonlight and Green book.
Also joining the discussion – in which the creatives reflect in-depth on their processes, influences and careers before an audience at the BFI Southbank in central London – is Oscar-nominated actor John Malkovich (Being John Malkovich, Dangerous communications), American filmmakers Sofia Coppola (Lost in translation, Marie Antoinette), Ava DuVernay (Selma, thirteenth), Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Ratatouille(And James Gray)Ad Astra, paper tiger).
They are scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks alongside British actress Naomi Ackie (Blink twice, Mickey 17) and prolific UK director Danny Boyle (Discover trains, After 28 days), which will be held in Manchester, marking the festival’s first Screen Talk outside of London.
Among the projects that will be promoted is the opening of the Scott Film Festival in London The Senor With Olivia Colman, Johnny Flynn, Billie Piper, Luke Thompson and Peter Mullan. The feature is written by BAFTA award-winner Stephen Beresford (Pride) Adapted from the life of Ian Charlson. The film narrates the actor’s last weeks before his death from AIDS, while playing the role of Hamlet at the National Theater in London in the 1990s. Daniel Day-Lewis had suddenly withdrawn from the middling performance, forcing Charlson to step in.
Eisenberg will likely cover his latest film (and LFF closer) For the first time With Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti. The film follows a shy woman who is unexpectedly cast in a local production of an original musical. Under the influence of the mysterious and strong-willed director, she loses herself in the role and the high-stakes world of this community theater production.
The full line-up for the 70th London Film Festival will follow in due course. The event runs from October 7 to 18, 2026.
