2008 marks the 52nd year of London’s most famous and biggest film festival. With dozens of films, glamorous premieres and celebrity talks, this year’s London Film Festival is sure to be one of the best. Each day we’ll be putting up reviews to some of the festival’s top films, so check back to see what ViewLondon thinks about 2008’s selection.

Gala events and premieres
The big news for the 2008 festival is a showing of the latest James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, right after its world premiere on 29th October in Leicester Square. Even though some 007 fans have questioned the title, there’s no doubt that is year's Bond film will have even more spectacular stunts than Casino Royale.

Even if you’re not a James Bond fan there’s still loads of big name films on show. This year the festival will open with the world premiere of Frost/Nixon, whilst the closing night gala features a premiere screening of Danny Boyle's new film, Slumdog Millionaire.

Free screenings at Trafalgar Square
Fancy seeing some films for free? On 23rd and 24th October you can see free films on a giant screen in Trafalgar Square. This year’s theme is London Loves, so head to Trafalgar Square to immerse yourself in films about the weird and wonderful aspects of life in the capital.

Celebrity appearances
One thing the LFF is known for is its celebrity guests, who are often in town promoting their films or heading up Q & As. Stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Liam Neeson, Penelope Cruz, Thandie Newton, Kevin Spacey, Eva Green, Ryan Philippe, Laura Linney and Josh Brolin will all be making attending the London Film Festival, whilst this year’s guest speakers include Benicio del Toro, writer and director Charlie Kaufman (of Adaptation fame), screenwriter Peter Morgan and actor Robert Carlyle.

See films before they’re released
The London Film Fest is also great for is showcasing films that are sure to be huge hits when they’re released officially. Last year Juno gained loads of attention, but frontrunners for this year’s most talked about film could be Spike Lee’s Miracle at St. Anna, a film about black American soldiers during World War II; Oliver Stone’s political drama, W, about the life of George W Bush; Michael Winterbottom’s Genova, starring Colin Firth and Catherine Keener in a family drama set in Italy.

Ones to watch
This year’s festival features a host of new films from some of the most exciting new and independent directors on the international film scene. Don’t miss Gina Prince-Blythewood's The Secret Life of Bees (starring Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys), Peter Sollett's Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (starring Juno’s Michael Cera) and Courtney Hunt's Frozen River, which won the dramatic Grand Jury prize at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

Reviews
Want to know which films we rate and which we think you should give a miss? Click below for our film festival reviews.

Get your tickets
Public booking for tickets to the 2008 festival starts on Saturday 27th September, whilst booking for BFI members opens 24th September. You can book online, by phone, by post or in person at the film festival box offices. Click below for more information on how to book tickets or call (020) 7928 3232.

The Times BFI London Film Festival 2008 takes place at venues across London from Wednesday 15th October – Thursday 30th October 2008.



The Times BFI 52nd London Film Festival Official Website

London Film Festival Reviews

Trafalgar Square London Film Festival Screening

London Cinema Guide

London Film Release Dates