Glenn Close Film ‘The Summer Book’ to World Premiere at BFI London Film Festival – Global Bulletin

CLOSE ENCOUNTER

The 68th BFI London Film Festival has unveiled additional titles for its 2024 program. The new slate includes one world premiere, one international premiere, one European premiere, and four U.K. premieres.

Charlie McDowell’s “The Summer Book,” starring Glenn Close, Emily Matthews and Anders Danielsen Lie, will have its world premiere as a special presentation. The film adapts Tove Jansson’s novel about a family’s summer on a Finnish island.

Justin Kurzel’s documentary “Ellis Park,” focusing on musician Warren Ellis, is set for its international premiere. The European premiere goes to Fleur Fortuné’s sci-fi feature debut “The Assessment,” with Elizabeth Olsen, Alicia Vikander and Himesh Patel.

U.K. premieres include Joshua Oppenheimer’s post-apocalyptic drama “The End,” featuring Tilda Swinton, George MacKay, Moses Ingram and Michael Shannon; Marco Dutra’s genre-bending “Bury Your Dead,” starring Selton Mello, Marjorie Estiano and Danilo Grangheia; Giovanni Tortorici’s coming-of-age tale “Dicianovve,” with Manfredi Marini, Vittoria Planeta and Dana Giuliano; and Marta Mateus’ debut “Fire of Wind,” set in rural Portugal and starring Soraia Prudêncio, Maria Catarina Sapata, and Safir Eizner.

The festival runs Oct. 9-20.

TAYLOR MADE

Sharon Stone and Paris Jackson have signed on for BBC Arts‘ upcoming documentary series “Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar.” The three-part series, set to air this fall on BBC Two and iPlayer, explores Taylor’s life and career through interviews and previously unheard recordings.

Stone, who befriended Taylor through AIDS activism, discusses the star’s acting and their shared experiences in Hollywood. Jackson, Taylor’s goddaughter, reflects on the icon’s influence and advocacy work. Other contributors include Kim Kardashian, Joan Collins, Margaret O’Brien and Dr. Anthony Fauci. Taylor’s family members and close associates also provide insight.

Produced by Passion Pictures, the series examines Taylor’s impact on Hollywood and celebrity culture. Kardashian serves as an executive producer alongside Kari Lia and Hamish Fergusson. James House is the series director.

HORRIBLE SCIENCE

The BBC has commissioned new educational kids show “Horrible Science.” Part of the “Horrible Histories” brand, the series will be comprised of sketches, facts, songs and jokes to bring science to life. Lion Television will produce the series, which will be linked to the U.K.’s national science curriculum for schools.

“We know children and adults love learning about the past with ‘Horrible Histories’ and we want to bring that magic formula of comedic excellence and educational value to ‘Horrible Science,” said Patricia Hidalgo, director of BBC children’s and education. “And for the first time we’re creating education resources for teachers and students to use in classrooms together with a brilliantly entertaining show to enjoy at home – highlighting our commitment to entertaining and educating young audiences beyond what we’ve ever done before.”