BFI London Film Festival Screens Wildwood, Julian, Ray Gunn and More

London is one of the world's great cities. It's also a major home for the entertainment industry and hosts a constant stream of events, screenings and film festivals. One of the most established and respected of these is the BFI London Film Festival, which returns to the capital every October. Established 59 years ago, the festival is run is association with the British Film Institute. This year's festival runs from October 7- 18.

This year's selection doesn't feature quite as much animation as in some previous years. However, the films that have been picked are some of the most prominent animation films of the year.

Brad Bird and Skydance Animation's upcoming Ray Gunn is being honoured with a Gala screening. Showing in advance of its December limited release and subsequent launch on Netflix, the festival is a good chance to catch the film early. Bird has been trying to get the concept made for over 30 years, and only now has had the opportunity to finally see it made a reality. Set in an alternate 1939, where humans live side-by-side with aliens, the last human private-eye (Ray Gunn) solves mysteries in the city of Metropia. Brad Bird is also giving a Screen Talk, discussing his career. Ray Gunn will also be screened at venues across the UK, including Birmingham, Bristol, Sheffield, Cardiff, Glasgow and Manchester.

The long-awaited return of LAIKA sees their newest film Wildwood debut with a Gala screening. LAIKA boss Travis Knight directs for the first time since Kubo and The Two Strings, and ParaNorman and Missing Link's Chris Butler writes the script, based on the fantasy novel by Colin Meloy. Quite literally epic (it's the longest stop-motion film ever made) it sees teen girl Pru enter the Enchanted Woods in search of her missing baby brother. LFF is also holding a free related event Into The Woods: Wildwood Mask Making.

Cartoon Saloon have traditionally had the UK premiere of their films at LFF. Their newest film Julián is no different, and will make its debut at the festival. The first feature directed by Louise Bagnall, its picture-book-inspired tale tells of a young boy named Julián shipped off to Brooklyn to live with his Dominican aunt. Julián has a love for all things bling and sparkly and finds it hard to settle in at first. But when he hears about the upcoming Mermaid Parade, he decides that he must be a mermaid himself. The festival is also hosting an event inspired by the movie, The Mermaid Parade. Kids will get the chance to craft mermaid tails, using provided materials. The event is free to enter.

Acclaimed French animation Iron Boy is also screening as part of LFF's Family strand. Nothing to do with the MCU, it depicts a young lad named Christophe who develops a condition that makes him frequently collapse. To keep him upright, a doctor prescribes him an iron corset. It takes time to get used to, and at first it alienates him further. But then he discovers the possibility of a different life. Directed by former Pixar animator Louis Clichy, the film features distinctive hand-drawn visuals and a big heart. Showing in its original French version with English subtitles.

Also screening is the Mexican-Brazilian production My Friend The Sun. Director Alejandra Pérez González presents this Mexican fable that features young girl Xóchitl. One day she discovers that the mural she has painted at her Mexico City home is a portal to the world of Tollan, the home of the Gods. Magically transported there, she finds herself exalted as The Sixth Sun. But she draws the ire and jealousy of a powerful rival and faces a struggle to return home. This 2D animation is a celebration of Mexican culture and mythology, and is the first Mexican film directed by a woman. The film will screen in Spanish with English subtitles.

Fernanda Salgado's animated feature Ana, En Passant is also screening at this year's festival. Following the death of her beloved grandmother, Ana journeys from Brazil to Paris to follow in the footsteps of her relatives. The journey allows her to discover more about her family, her heritage and ultimately herself. Salgado's animation is incorporated with real-life footage to create a unique effect. Screening in Portuguese and French with English subtitles.

Duncan Jones (director of Moon) makes his animation debut with Rogue Trooper. Based on the 2000AD comic strip of the same name, the indie British sci-fi feature depicts a dystopian future where bio-chipped, genetically engineered soldiers fight a futile war across a toxic landscape. Features the voices of Aneurin Barnard, Matt Berry and Hayley Atwell.

The festival also features a full programme of shorts. Most of them are live-action, but there are two dedicated animated screenings this year. Animated Shorts For Younger Audiences is just like it sounds- a collection of shorts that will be suitable and appealing for young viewers, although they may have wider appeal. Life/Drawing is a collection of shorts from around the world exploring what connects us to people, the world around us and, most importantly, ourselves. The shorts feature content that might not be suitable for younger viewers.

Tickets are available via the festival website. Some screenings may already be sold out, but extra and standby tickets may be released. You can check online every day after 10am or enquire in person at the BFI Southbank 15 minutes before a screening. Festivalgoers aged 16-25 can sign up for a BFI 25 and Under account, and get tickets for screenings and talks for just £6.00.