70th BFI London Film Festival screening programme unveiled

Two Irish films have been included in the screening programme for the 70^th BFI London Film Festival.

The festival is set to take place across several venues from October 7 to 18, with six films featured and a special Screen Talks programme to take place.

Among the Irish films to be shown is Lemonade, from director Kim Bartley. Starring Barry Keoghan, it is a “heartfelt, coming-of-age Irish drama,” according to a press release.

The film follows Danny (Lewis Brophy) reconnecting with his social worker (Keoghan) who is “trying to make up for the past.”

The other Irish film, The Slightest Touch, comes from American director Rachel Fleit. Starring Emma Fogarty and Collin Farrell and set in Dublin, it is a documentary that explores “the power of friendship and connection.”

The Slightest Touch tells the story of Fogarty, who lives with epidermolysis bullosa, a genetic condition which causes her skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch. To celebrate her 40^th birthday, she runs a marathon with her friend, Farrell, raising awareness of the understudied condition.

“Defying the odds with grit and humour, this dynamic duo’s race to the finish is an inspirational ode to friendship and being open to the world and all it offers,” reads the press release.

The other films included are Florid, from UK director Billy Lumby, Congo Boy from Central African Republic director Rafiki Fariala, I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning from UK director, Clio Bernard and Behemoth! from US director Tony Gilroy.

The Screen Talks programme will give audiences the opportunity to hear from actors and filmmakers about their creative processes. This year’s lineup features the likes of Andrew Scott, Cynthia Erivo, Jesse Eisenberg, John Malkovich and more.