The 54th London Film Festival will open with the European Premiere of Mark Romanek's Never Let Me Go.
Based on the bestselling novel by Kazuo Ishiguro the film - which stars Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan - was adapted for the screen by Alex Garland.
Kathy (Mulligan), Tommy (Andrew Garfield) and Ruth (Knightley) spend their childhood at Hailsham, a seemingly idyllic English boarding school where they discover a dark and haunting secret about their future. As they leave the shelter of the school behind and draw inexorably closer to the devastating fate that awaits them, they must confront the deep feelings of love, jealousy and betrayal that threaten to pull them apart.
The Festival's artistic director Sandra Hebron said: "It is a great pleasure to be able to open the festival with a film as accomplished and imaginative as Never Let Me Go. It combines impeccable film making, outstanding performances and a deeply moving story, and I couldn't wish for a stronger or more appropriate opening night."
Scots producer Andrew Macdonald of DNA Films, added: "We’re delighted that Never Let Me Go has been selected to open this year’s festival. It has been a privilege to be involved with bringing Kazuo Ishiguro’s remarkable novel to the screen, and to work with such an exceptional British cast. We look forward to unveiling the film in London."
Twentieth Century Fox will release the film in the UK on January 15.
Director Mark Romanek - best known for One Hour Photo - adds: “I think I can speak for the entire cast and crew when I say that we are deeply honored and excited to have been selected to open this year's festival. For me personally, it seems the perfect way to celebrate the conclusion of an incredible filmmaking experience in the UK.”
The full programme for The 54th BFI London Film Festival will be announced on September 8.
The Festival runs from October 13-28.
