ELSINORE to Open the BFF

Starring Andrew Scott, Olivia Colman and Luke Thompson, the film has been selected for First Things First, the festival section showcasing major new productions and the most anticipated titles of the season. This will be the film’s Polish premiere.

ELSINORE is based on the true story of Ian Charleson, an outstanding British actor who took on the role of Hamlet at London’s National Theatre in the late 1980s. At the same time, he was facing an AIDS diagnosis — a disease that inspired widespread fear and carried a heavy social stigma at the time.

The film brings together a great theatrical performance and a deeply personal drama. At the height of his career, Charleson faces a challenge that transforms his life and gives his work on Shakespeare’s tragic hero a new dimension. ELSINORE is a story of love, courage and determination, as well as a testament to the power of art to help us confront experiences that extend far beyond the stage.

Andrew Scott, a BAFTA Award winner and recipient of the Silver Bear, plays Ian Charleson. Known for performances that combine emotional intensity with extraordinary precision, Scott is joined by Oscar winner Olivia Colman and Luke Thompson, best known for the series BRIDGERTON. The film is directed by Simon Stone, the BAFTA-nominated filmmaker behind THE DIG, from a screenplay by Stephen Beresford, writer of the award-winning PRIDE.

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ELSINORE received the International People’s Choice Award at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival. It also opened the 70th BFI London Film Festival. The film will be released in Polish cinemas on 29 January 2027, distributed by Kino Świat.

The film is produced by STUDIOCANAL, LD ENTERTAINMENT, LUCKY RED and MAGNOLIA MAE FILMS.

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ELSINORE in First Things First section

ELSINORE will open the British Film Festival and feature in First Things First, a section dedicated to premieres, new productions and films worth discovering before they enter the wider cinema circuit.

This year, the section takes on an additional dimension: for the first time in the festival’s history, audiences will be able to vote for their favourite First Things First titles and award one of them the honorary Audience Award.‍

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Critics are full of prize

The Hollywood Reporter: “Andrew Scott is deeply moving as British actor Ian Charleson, who throws himself into the role of Hamlet even as AIDS gradually robs him of his strength.”

Screen Daily: “It radiates authenticity, making it all the more moving.”

Deadline: “This is a showcase for Andrew Scott, who fully embodies the heart and soul of another actor, finding within himself the emotional strength and determination to seize this final opportunity — whatever the cost.”

TheWrap: “THE LAST HAMLET is both a testament to the enduring power of Shakespearean drama and a story about its profound impact.”

The Playlist: “An outstanding cinematic achievement.”

The full festival programme will be announced on 27 October.

Tickets and festival passes go on sale on 29 October.