THE 58th BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express, is delighted to announce that this year’s Opening Night film will be The Imitation Game. 

The film is a dramatic portrayal of the life and work of Alan Turing, one of Britain's most extraordinary unsung heroes, and one of the world’s greatest innovators.

The film will receive its European premiere on Wednesday, October 8 at the Odeon Leicester Square with a live cinecast from the red carpet and simultaneous screenings taking place at cinemas across the UK.

Stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley and director Morten Tyldum are expected to attend the London event.

Clare Stewart, BFI London Film Festival Director, commented: “We are thrilled to announce one of the most anticipated films of the year – THE IMITATION GAME – as this year’s BFI London Film Festival Opening Night gala.

"Featuring extraordinary performances from the British talent in front of the camera and vividly directed by Morten Tyldum, THE IMITATION GAME does cinematic justice to Alan Turing’s vision, determination and personal story as well as his enduring impact on British history and contemporary life.”

The Imitation Game stars Benedict Cumberbatch (Star Trek Into Darkness, Sherlock) and Keira Knightley (Atonement) as close friend and fellow code-breaker Joan Clarke, alongside a top notch cast including Matthew Goode (A Single Man), Mark Strong (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), Rory Kinnear (Skyfall), Charles Dance (Gosford Park, TV's Game of Thrones), Allen Leech (In Fear, TV's Downton Abbey) and Matthew Beard (An Education).

STUDIOCANAL release the film in UK cinemas on November 14, 2014.

The 58th BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express runs from Wednesday, October 8 - Sunday, October 19.

The full programme for the Festival will be announced on Wednesday, September 3.