The 55th BFI London Film Festival, in partnership with American Express, will open on 12 October with the European premiere of 360, directed by Fernando Meirelles (City of God, The Constant Gardener, Blindness) with an original screenplay from Peter Morgan (The Queen, Frost/Nixon).

360 is a modern and stylish kaleidoscope of interconnected love and relationships linking characters from different cities and countries. Commenting on its selection, Sandra Hebron, the Festival”s Artistic Director, said: “I’;m delighted that 360 will be our opening night film. With its impeccable film-making credentials and intriguing premise, 360 combines masterful visual story-telling with a modern and moving narrative, helped by strong performances from a terrific ensemble cast. It will be a pleasure to open this year’;s Festival with such an accomplished film from one of international cinema’;s finest film makers.”

Fernando Meirelles added: “In the past decade I”ve been to the BFI London Film Festival six times, some of them as a guest, and some as part of the audience. It is one of the best festivals in the world due to its selection of films and the number of theatres the films are shown in. I am very honoured 360, an intimate film that talks about our options in life, has been chosen to open the LFF this year.”

360 is a Revolution/ Dor Film/ Fidelite production, in co-production with O2 Filme and in association with BBC Films, The UK Film Council, ORF, Unison Films, Gravity Pictures, Hero Entertainment, Prescience, EOS Pictures, Wild Bunch, Film Location Austria, Austrian Film Institute and Vienna Film Fund.  The full programme for The 55th LFF will be announced at the Press Launch on Wednesday 7th September. This year”s Festival runs from 12-27 October 2011.

In other BFI related news, Eddie Berg has been appointed to the newly created role of director of partnerships. Reporting to BFI deputy chief executive Tim Cagney, Berg will take up his new role from September, leading the BFI”s partnerships and new business opportunities divisions. Berg said he was “thrilled to take on this new role which will be critical in extending BFI”s reach and enhancing its reputation for cultural & commercial innovation.”