Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical To Open 66th BFI London Film Festival!

We maybe just in the heart of the Summer, the BFI are already focusing on 66th BFI London International Film Festival. Today they have announced that Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical is set to open this year’s festival with it’s world premiere.

The film is an inspirational musical tale of an extraordinary girl who discovers her superpower and summons the remarkable courage, against all odds, to help others change their stories, whilst also taking charge of her own destiny. Standing up for what’s right, she’s met with miraculous results.

The cast includes Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch, Stephen Graham, Andrea Riseborough, Sindhu Vee and introducing Alisha Weir as the eponymous Matilda. Matthew Warchus directs this one which is adapted from his own West End stage version, with original music and lyrics by Tim Minchin.

Director Warchus commented Matthew Warchus: “What a delight to be opening this tremendous film festival with singing, dancing, green hair and chocolate cake. It’s a real honour to be sharing this joyful and empowering tale of a little girl’s courage and comion at such a prestigious event.”

Here’s a look at the first Trailer…

Matilda Wormwood (Alisha Weir) is a little girl with big curiosity, a sharp mind and a vivid imagination — and the worst parents in the world. While her parents (Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough) content themselves with trashy TV and dodgy money-making schemes, she loves to lose herself in the pages of her beloved books. Where they are loud, selfish and unkind she is a quiet observer, thinking up small and cheeky acts of rebellion and revenge.

On meeting her inspirational teacher, Miss Honey (Lashana Lynch), Matilda is encouraged and begins conjuring her own fantastical tales. Excited to attend Crunchem Hall, Matilda is surprised to find the school is an ominous and oppressive place led by the huge and villainous Miss Trunchbull (Emma Thompson). As well as kind Miss Honey, the bright lights among the meanness are story-loving librarian, Mrs. Phelps (Sindhu Vee), and Matilda’s newfound school friends. Filled with an overwhelming sense of justice, Matilda dares to take a stand for what is right and teach Trunchbull a lesson she won’t forget.

The 66th BFI London Film Festival will take place from Wednesday 5th October until Sunday 16th October. The Programme Launch will take place on Thursday 1th September, we will bring you that line up on the day.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical will make it’s World Premiere on 5th October, with the film heading to UK and Irish Cinemas from 2nd December.