The 50th annual Times BFI London Film Festival opened with a special screening of, among others, The Last King of Scotland staring Forrest Whitaker as the infamous Ugandan dictator responsible for the execution of 300,000 of his people in eight years (1971 to 1979) before he fled from office. The film has been touring the film festival circuit with much praise. The Last King of Scotland also screened at Toronto International Film Fest, Mill Valley Film Fest and the New York Film Festival. There’s no question Whitaker will be nominated for an Oscar and Golden Globe among other less known but perhaps more important awards honoring his exceptional performance. I can’t wait to see this film.

Anyway, also notable, Babel starring Cate Blanchett, Gael Garcia Bernal and Brad Pitt is another popular film on this year’s film fest circuit. Babel’s the story of a tragic accident turned into an international affair. I saw the trailer recently in a theater, and it looks interesting, and I will see it, but looks a bit hokey. I hope to be proven wrong.

Stranger Than Fiction, Shortbus, Little Children, Climates, Bobby and Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas 3D also kicked off the London Film Fest. Damn I wish I were there!