127 Hours to close London Film Festival

Danny Boyle's latest to get European premiere.

by Amber Wilkinson

Danny Boyle's 127 Hours will close this year's London Film Festival.

The film - which is based on the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston and his attempts to save himself after being pinned down by a falling boulder in an isolated Utah Canyon - stars Golden Globe winner James Franco. It traces five days in the climber's life as he struggles to survive and find the courage to extricate himself by any means necessary and abseil to safety.

The film, which is described by the festival as "visceral and thrilling" will have it's European premiere at the 54th edition on October 28, before going on general release in the UK next January.

The filmmakers and stars, including Danny Boyle and James Franco, are expected to attend the red carpet.

Sandra Hebron, the Festival’s Artistic Director said: “Having closed the festival with Slumdog Millionaire in 2008, it is unprecedented for us to choose a Closing Night film from the same director only two years later.

"But 127 Hours was the obvious choice for us - with filmmaking as bold and adventurous as its subject matter, it confirms Danny Boyle as one of the World's finest and most visionary directors, and will be a very fitting close to the festival.”

Danny Boyle added: "I am honoured and delighted. LFF played a vital role in the journey of Slumdog Millionaire in 2008 and it's great to be bringing new work here and renewing a happy partnership. I can't wait to unveil the new film and I hope it provides a worthy climax to what will hopefully be two weeks of great movies for our city."

We'll bring you details of the full programme when it is announced on September 8.

Share this with others on...
News

Underrepresented stories Laura Green and Anna Moot-Levin on Matter of Mind: My Parkinson’s

Between strangers Anthony Chen in capturing emotion in Drift

Art of observation Matthäus Wörle on his collaborative approach to debut documentary Where We Used To Sleep

Gateway between worlds Anu Valia on expectations, reality and We Strangers

The little things Inside the 2024 Glasgow Short Film Festival

Choosing her colours Joe Lawlor and Christine Malloy on Rose Dugdale and Baltimore

Filmhouse gets £1.5m funding boost Edinburgh cultural hub set to reopen this year

More news and features

Interact

More competitions coming soon.