Emma Corrin and Maika Monroe Star in Closing Gala of London Film Festival

Emma Corrin and Maika Monroe graced the stage at the 2025 BFI London Film Festival closing gala, showcasing their roles in Julia Jackman‘s film, 100 Nights of Hero. The event took place at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday night, bringing an impressive array of talent to conclude the festival’s successful run of premieres.

Jackman, a Canadian filmmaker, presented her sophomore feature, which is adapted from the graphic novel by Isabel Greenberg. The film immerses audiences in a visually captivating fantasy set within a fairytale kingdom. The story follows Cherry, portrayed by Monroe, who leads a seemingly perfect life with her husband Jerome, played by Amir El-Masry. However, their happiness is disrupted when Jerome disappears, prompting Cherry’s maid, Hero, played by Corrin, to devise a clever plan to distract a charming but sinister friend named Manfred, portrayed by Nicholas Galitzine.

During the gala, Jackman expressed her long-held dream of creating this film. “I’ve been dreaming of making this film for a long time,” she shared with the audience. “And I actually, to be honest, didn’t know whether I’d get the chance. So to be here with you guys is incredible. Thank you so much for coming.”

Corrin, known for her roles in The Crown and Nosferatu, reflected on the development of her character, Hero. “So much of it was in Julia’s incredible adaptation. Hero’s all-knowing wisdom — she has confidence and knows who she is and there’s a real relief to playing someone like that,” she explained.

Monroe, who gained recognition for her performance in the horror film Longlegs, praised the uniqueness of Jackman’s script, stating, “Even just reading the script, I could imagine this fantastical world. I fell in love with Cherry. There was just this feeling of, like, needing to do this role.”

The film made its world premiere earlier this year at the Venice Critics Week, where it was described as “eccentric, fey and surprisingly dark” by The Hollywood Reporter. Reviewer Leslie Felperin noted the film’s unpredictability, hinting at surprises such as pop superstar Charli xcx appearing in a supporting role.

The closing gala marked the end of an 11-day celebration of film, featuring A-listers such as George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and Julia Roberts, who attended various screenings throughout the festival. Kicking off on October 8, the festival began with the European premiere of Rian Johnson‘s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery and showcased a diverse selection of films, including Jay Kelly, Hamnet, and Frankenstein.

This year’s festival featured an impressive total of 247 titles from 79 countries, encompassing features, shorts, series, and immersive works. Among the notable winners were Martel’s Landmarks (Nuestra Tierra) and David Bingong’s The Travelers (Les Voyageurs).

London Film Festival director Kristy Matheson emphasized the importance of quality in film selections. “It’s not enough for a film to just have an incredible cast — the film has to really stand on its own two feet,” she stated during the opening-night gala. She added that the programming aims to reflect the diverse cinematic tastes of London’s audiences, ensuring a rich geographical spread and a variety of stories.

Attendees and filmmakers alike celebrated the festival’s ability to bring together talented individuals and diverse stories, marking a successful year for the BFI London Film Festival.