By Linda Tancs

Through 28 October new films are showing in London at the British Film Institute’s 54th Film Festival.  Galas and special screenings include Hollywood heavyweights like Natalie Portman in Black Swan and Annette Benning and Julianne Moore in The Kids Are Alright as well as the debut of West is West, the sequel to East is East, a story about a mixed race family returning to their roots in Pakistan.  Would-be filmmakers would have been inspired by the chat with Black Swan’s Darren Aronofsky–if you had a ticket, that is.  How about a meet and greet with music video director Mark Romanek, auteur of such works as Michael and Janet Jackson’s “Scream” and Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ “Don’t Stop.” Influenced by visionary directors such as Scorsese, Cassavetes and Kubrick, Romanek’s transition to feature filmmaking was celebrated in the festival’s Opening Night Film, Never Let Me Go.  Tickets are available at screening venues 30 minutes prior to first screening.  Otherwise, stop by the ticket office at Southbank, call or go online.