Free Fire to close this year’s LFF

The BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express^® is delighted to announce that this year’s Closing Night gala will be Ben Wheatley’s high-octane action thriller Free Fire.

Massachusetts late ‘70s. Justine (Brie Larson) has brokered a meeting in a deserted warehouse between two Irishmen (Cillian Murphy, Michael Smiley) and a gang led by Vernon (Sharlto Copley) and Ord (Armie Hammer) who are selling them a stash of guns. But when shots are fired in the handover, a heart stopping game of survival ensues.

Free Fire is Wheatley’s third film to be presented at the Festival, following High-Rise (2015) which screened as Festival Gala and Sightseers (2012) which screened as Laugh Gala. The film will receive its European premiere on Sunday 16 October at the Odeon Leicester Square, attended by cast and filmmakers.

BFI London Film Festival Director, Clare Stewart says:

“Ben Wheatley’s ascent as one of the UK’s most dazzling cinematic talents continues with this ballsy actioner. Dripping with blood, sweat and irony, Free Fire’s bravura filmmaking pays knowing tribute to the films of Sam Peckinpah and features a terrific cast who clearly relish bringing Wheatley and co-writer Amy Jump’s vivid characters to the screen. We are thrilled to be presenting the European Premiere as our Closing Night gala, ensuring that the 60th edition of the BFI London Film Festival goes out with a bang!"

Festival programme revealed: Thu 01 Sep
BFI Patrons priority booking opens: Tue 06 Sep
BFI Champions priority booking opens: Wed 07 Sep
BFI Members priority booking opens: Thu 08 Sep
Public booking opens: Thu 15 Sep

The 60th BFI London Film Festival takes place 05-16 October at venues across London.