Emma Corrin and Maika Monroe Shine at London Film Festival Finale

The 2025 BFI London Film Festival concluded on October 8 with an impressive showcase, highlighted by the star-studded cast of 100 Nights of Hero. Directed by Canadian filmmaker Julia Jackman, the film’s closing event took place at the Royal Festival Hall, featuring notable appearances from actors Emma Corrin, Maika Monroe, Richard E. Grant, and Felicity Jones.

“I’ve been dreaming of making this film for a long time,”

Jackman expressed on stage, sharing her excitement about the film’s realization. While key cast members Nicholas Galitzine and Charli xcx were absent, the film’s narrative captivated attendees. Based on the graphic novel by Isabel Greenberg, 100 Nights of Hero unfolds in a fantastical kingdom where Cherry (Monroe) leads a seemingly perfect life, but a looming heirless future challenges her marriage to Jerome (El-Masry).

When Jerome departs, Cherry’s maid Hero (Corrin) devises a plan to distract the charming but nefarious friend Manfred (Galitzine) with enthralling tales of rebellious women. Corrin, known for her roles in The Crown and Deadpool & Wolverine, emphasized the depth of her character, stating,

“Hero’s all-knowing wisdom — she [has] confidence and knows who she is.”

Monroe, acclaimed for her performance in last year’s horror film Longlegs, praised Jackman’s script for its uniqueness and beauty, explaining,

“Even just reading the script, I could imagine this fantastical world. I fell in love with Cherry.”

The festival showcased a total of 247 titles from 79 countries, ranging from features to immersive experiences. A highlight of the festival was its opening on October 8 with the European premiere of Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. It attracted a host of A-list celebrities, including George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Daniel Craig, who graced the Southbank area during the 11-day event.

London Film Festival director Kristy Matheson articulated the importance of a diverse program, stating,

“We’re really trying to find a program that’s got a lot of different textures in it, that reflects the city we are in.”

The festival sought to present various stories, catering to an audience well-versed in cinema.

Among the notable films, Martel’s Landmarks, David Bingong’s The Travelers, and One Woman One Bra by Vincho Nchogu received official accolades, highlighting the festival’s commitment to showcasing both emerging and established talent.

As the curtains fell on another successful BFI London Film Festival, the event reaffirmed its status as a significant platform for filmmakers and actors to connect with global audiences while celebrating the art of cinema.