BBC First naming sponsor of the BBC First British Film Festival

Presented by Palace, the BBC First British Film Festival returns for its third year with a standout selection of Festival favourites and box office hits from the British Isles and will take place nationally at Palace Cinemas from October 27 to November 18.

Tim Christlieb, director of channels BBC Worldwide Australia and New Zealand, said: “We are delighted to be coming on board as the naming sponsor of the BBC First British Film Festival. BBC First is all about showcasing world-renowned, award-winning British talent on both sides of the camera with stories that challenge, immerse and entertain, all with a uniquely British perspective, so this is a natural fit for us.”

To celebrate, BBC First will also be screening a season of TV movies in a three-hour block each Wednesday night for six weeks from October 7.

The BBC First British Film Festival 2015 will open nationally in Palace Cinemas with the highly anticipated Youth (pictured). Fresh from its premiere at Cannes Film Festival and starring veteran British actor Michael Caine, it is director Paolo Sorrentino's second English-language film and the follow-up to his Academy Award-winning film The Great Beauty (2013). Another highlight is 45 Years, winner of the Edinburgh International Film Festival’s top award for best British feature film from break-out British sensation Andrew Haigh with stars Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay.