There are already a million reasons you should go to the BFI, now there’s a million and one; they’ve teamed up with the Radio Times the BFI & Radio Times Television Festival, set to be the largest and most prestigious public television festival in the UK, taking place at BFI Southbank from April 7th-9th. It’s an amazing event for all TV lovers with over 30 events, and a star studded line up.
The festival kicks off with Monty Python star Michael Palin as he’s inducted into the Radio Times Hall of Fame, takes the audience through his wonderful career, and then settles down for a screening of his 1987 film East of Ipswich. On Sunday the 9th, Sherlock creators Gatiss will take the audience through his favourite TV moments, whilst Moffat will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, and discuss his career with comedian Frank Skinner, from sitcom Coupling to TV giant Doctor Who.
2016 saw the loss of British comedy legend Victoria Wood, and thus a tribute will take place with guests such as Julie Walters and Piers Wenger, followed by screenings of two of her most famous works from each end of her career: Two Creatures Great and Small (1981), her first starring vehicle, and Victoria Wood at the Albert Hall (2002). There will also be a celebration of BBC drama Call the Midwife, with a panel where creator Heidi Thomas and executive producers Pippa Harris discuss the making and inspiration of the show.
It goes on and on, as there some exclusive screenings to enjoy while you’re there: The first episode The Durrell’s second season will be premiering at the festival, with star Keeley Hawes as well other cast and crew present, and a premiere of the much anticipated Sky original series Guerilla, created by Academy Award winner John Ridley and starring Frieda Pinto, Babou Ceesay and Idris Elba. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with Pinto and Ceesay, with more cast and crew to be confirmed.
There’ll also be a screening of bold Brazilian drama Merciless and a discussion with Walter Iuzzolino, the curator of Channel 4’s Walter Presents, where he will discuss his latest acquisitions and reveal how he plunders Europe and the world for original-language drama. Also premiering will be the first episode of season two of Locked Up, the daring Spanish prison drama, which will be followed by an interview with actor Berta Vasques, series creator Ivan Escobar and Iuzzinoli.
As well as television, there’ll also be some excellent radio content and some great family events, including children’s authors like Michael Morpurg and Jacqueline Wilson, and the work of Aardman Animation. You can view the entire program right here.
The BFI & Radio Times Television Festival is sure to be an amazing event, and not one you’ll want to miss out on if you’re a lover of the small screen, so don’t delay and book your tickets. 7th-9th April is going to be one hell of a weekend.