BFI London Film Festival 2023: Emerald Fennell to open the 2023 festival with her new film, ‘Saltburn’

“Saltburn,” the new directorial feature by “Promising Young Woman” creator Emerald Fennell, will be the opening night film at the 2023 BFI London Film Festival in October. It marks the former “Call The Midwife” actress's return to behind the viewfinder since her Oscar-winning success with “Promising Young Women,” which earned Fennell the Best Original Screenplay award at the 93rd Academy Awards.

Penned also by Fennell, “Saltburn” will be set in the mid-2000s and shot in a variety of locations around the UK, with the story seeing student Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) struggling to find his place at Oxford University and finding himself drawn into the world of the charming and aristocratic Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), who invites him to Saltburn, his eccentric family’s sprawling estate, for a summer never to be forgotten. 

Speaking to the BFI’s website about her selection as the opening night film for the 67th edition of the festival, Fennell expressed her pleasure over her film receiving this prestigious place in the festival programming. “I’m honoured that our film is able to open this year’s BFI London Film Festival,” said Fennell. 

“It is a festival that inspired me so much growing up, one that I followed excitedly from my bedroom on the other side of London. It feels extra-special that Saltburn, this very British tale of excess, is able to make its international debut at the wonderful BFI.” 

The selection becomes one of the first for the festival’s new director, Kristy Matheson, who shared her enthusiasm about the film being her first opening night selection in the role. “As soon as the credits rolled on Saltburn it was clear we’d met our opening night film. Academy Award winner Emerald Fennell returns with an expertly crafted and exhilarating thrill ride of a film that showcases an enormous depth of UK talents in front of and behind the camera. 

“With its exceptional performances, delicious plot twists and a soundtrack of early 21st-century pop bangers, this hugely ambitious film immediately stole our hearts and we can’t wait to share it with audiences in London and across the UK this October.”

After its screening as part of the BFI London Film Festival, “Saltburn” will be released in theatres from 24 November 2023 in conjunction with MGM Studios and Amazon Studios.

Who is Emerald Fennell?

Emerald Fennell’s career has been littered with numerous accolades and honours, including an Academy Award, two British Academy Film Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and nominations for three Primetime Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards.

Fennell first caught the attention of audiences with her performances in period drama films, showcasing her acting prowess in movies such as "Albert Nobbs" (2011), "Anna Karenina" (2012), "The Danish Girl" (2015), and "Vita and Virginia" (2018). Her reputation grew further as she took on prominent roles in esteemed productions like the BBC One period drama series "Call the Midwife" (2013–2017) and her portrayal of Camilla Parker-Bowles in the Netflix period drama series "The Crown" (2019–2020).

Transitioning into a writer-director, Fennell demonstrated her creative flair by becoming the showrunner for the second season of the BBC thriller series "Killing Eve" (2019), earning her dual Primetime Emmy Award nominations. In 2020, she marked her directorial debut in feature filmmaking with the enthralling thriller "Promising Young Woman" (2020). 

The movie garnered significant acclaim, with Fennell clinching the prestigious Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Her achievements extended to nominations for Best Picture and Best Director, making her one of only seven women, and notably the first British woman, to secure a nomination for the latter category.

Beyond her on-screen accomplishments, Fennell's early life shaped her journey. Born in Hammersmith, London, she grew up amidst creativity, with her father the renowned jeweller Theo Fennell, who has had clients including Elton John, Joan Collins, Elizabeth Hurley, Madonna, and Lady Gaga and her mother, Louise Fennell, a published author - which may explain Emerald's aptitude for writing. Her educational journey included Marlborough College, a private institution in Marlborough, Wiltshire, followed by studies in English at Greyfriars, Oxford. It was during her university years that her acting talent was recognized, leading to her discovery by Lindy King of United Agents.

When is the BFI London Film Festival 2023?

The 67th BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express takes place from Wednesday 4 October to Sunday 15 October, 202