European Premiere of “Elton John: Never Too Late” Set for BFI London Film Festival
The BFI London Film Festival, in partnership with American Express, has announced that the European premiere of "Elton John: Never Too Late" will headline this year’s American Express Gala. The premiere is scheduled for Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, a prestigious venue that will once again host gala screenings during the 68th edition of the festival. The event is set to be attended by Sir Elton John himself, alongside directors R.J. Cutler and David Furnish.
"Elton John: Never Too Late," directed by Cutler and Furnish, is an intimate documentary that traces the legendary musician’s early career and personal journey. The film provides a deep dive into Elton John’s remarkable rise to fame, revisiting the extraordinary moments and challenges that shaped his life. The documentary also captures his preparation for what was billed as his final concert in North America, providing fans with an emotional and revealing portrait of the icon as he reflects on his career spanning over five decades.
This original documentary is produced by Disney Branded Television in collaboration with Rocket Entertainment and This Machine Filmworks, part of Sony Pictures Television. Along with directing, Cutler and Furnish serve as producers on the project, supported by a team of executive producers including Trevor Smith, Elise Pearlstein, and John Battsek, among others.
Kristy Matheson, Director of the BFI London Film Festival, expressed her enthusiasm for the film's inclusion, stating, “Directors R.J. Cutler and David Furnish bring a great intimacy and exhilaration to the story of one of the world’s most accomplished and beloved musicians. We’re delighted to present ‘Elton John: Never Too Late’ and give audiences a front-row seat to one of the most electrifying creative careers of our age.”
The 68th BFI London Film Festival will take place from October 9 to October 20, 2024, with screenings and events spread across several iconic London venues. These include the BFI Southbank, BFI IMAX, and five partner cinemas in the West End, such as Curzon Mayfair and Prince Charles Cinema. The festival will also feature an Expanded exhibition of immersive storytelling at Bargehouse and other locations across London.
For those unable to attend in person, the BFI Player will offer a special collection of LFF programmes, allowing audiences to explore both past and present offerings from the festival. The full program for this year’s edition will be revealed on September 4, 2024, with tickets available for purchase from September 17, 2024.
The BFI London Film Festival continues to be a premier event on the international film circuit, offering an extensive and diverse range of films, documentaries, and immersive experiences that celebrate the art of cinema.