London Film Festival 2025, interview with the programmer, Grace Barber-Plentie

October 9, 2025

Grace Barber-Plentie, programmer, London Film Festival 2025 on the highlights, themes and hidden gems of this year's festival

London Film Festival 2025, interview with the programmer, Grace Barber-Plentie Sarah Bradbury

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Ahead of the 69th London Film Festival, Fred Film Radio sat down with one of the programmers, Grace Barber-Plentie, who gave us the inside scoop on what this year’s instalment has to offer.

Distinctive Opening and Closing Films

Barber-Plentie spoke about the two premieres bookending the festival: “Wake Up Dead Man,” part of the ongoing “Knives Out” trilogy, which brings back beloved detective Benoit Blanc for another A-List ensemble, featuring renowned actors like Daniel Craig and Josh O’Connor. The festival wraps with Julia Jackman’s “A 100 Nights of Hero,” a vibrant comedy featuring a star-studded British cast including Emma Corn and Charlie XCX.

Themes and Trends in 2025

Key themes and trends emerging this year include a Shakespearean undertone that runs through several entries, with films like “Hamlet” and “Ariel,” inspired by the Bard’s works, set on islands and revolving around performance and identity. Additionally, the festival showcases films examining childhood trauma and memory, such as “Blue Heron” and “My Father’s Shadow.”

Spotlighting New Talent

Barber-Plentie also discussed the festival’s emphasis on debut features through sections like the Sutherland First Feature Competition, often nurturing female filmmakers and underrepresented voices. Award-winning debut films like “Fuck Toys” and “The President’s Cake” demonstrate the festival’s commitment to diverse storytelling and pioneering voices that challenge conventions.

With its eclectic programming, thematic depth and dedication to new talent, the 2025 London Film Festival looks set to be another memorable year for cinemagoers in the British capital.

Written by: Sarah Bradbury

Benoit Blanc Charlie XCX Daniel Craig Emma Corn Josh O'Connor Julia Jackman William Shakespeare

Guest

Grace Barber-Plentie

Film

A 100 Nights of Hero Ariel Blue Heron Fuck Toys Hamlet My father's shadow The President's Cake Wake Up Dead Man

Festival

BFI London Film Fest

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London Film Festival 2025, interview with the programmer, Grace Barber-Plentie