Festival In Focus: Seven Key Films & Events Not To Miss At This Year’s Glasgow Film Festival

The 21st edition of the Glasgow Film Festival kicks into gear on Wednesday (February 26) with the world premiere of survival thriller Tornado from Scottish filmmaker John Maclean. With stars Tim Roth and Japanese actors Kōki and Takehiro Hira set to be in attendance, it’s sure to be one of the highlights of the 12-day event. 

But there are also another 12 world and European premieres, 66 UK premieres and 12 Scottish premieres from 38 countries as well as In Conversation talks with stars such as James McAvoy and Jessica Lange and more on offer at the festival this year. We’ve rounded up what we think are sure to be some of the key films and events during this year’s GFF. 

Tornado – Opening Night

The festival is opening with the world premiere of survival thriller Tornado from Scottish filmmaker John Maclean. The film, which stars Tim Roth, Jack Lowden, Takehiro Hira and Kōki, is set in the rugged landscape of 1790s Britain as the eponymous character (played by model-songwriter Kōki) finds herself caught in a perilous situation when she and her father’s traveling puppet show crosses paths with a ruthless criminal gang led by Sugarman (Roth) and his ambitious son Little Sugar (Lowden). In an attempt to create a new life, Tornado seizes the opportunity to steal the gold from the gang’s most recent heist and fights to escape a violent demise. Maclean, who wrote and directed the 2015 film Slow West, will be in attendance along with Roth, Hira and Kōki at the opening night at the Glasgow Film Theatre on February 26. Lionsgate UK is releasing on May 23. 

Long Day’s Journey into Night

This fresh adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s classic play about addictions and acrimony sees Jessica Lange reprise her Tony-winning Broadway performance on-screen alongside Ed Harris. Lange reteams with director Jonathan Kent – who directed her in the stage version – for his feature debut about the Tyrone family, who, despite attempts at affection and intimacy are locked in a cycle of conflict and resentment. As the story builds to a shattering climax, we see the family through an unflinching lens as they struggle with addition and illness. 

In Conversation with Jessica Lange

Acclaimed as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, Jessica Lange has dazzled the screen with more than 30 credits to her name and has won a Tony Award, two Academy Awards, three Emmys, five Golden Globes and one SAG Award. Lange has taken diverse roles throughout her longstanding career including Grey Gardens, Feud: Bette and Joan and American Horror Story. She received dual Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for her challenging performances in Frances and Sydney Pollack’s Tootsie, for which she took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. She won her second Oscar in 1994 for Best Actress in Blue Sky. Her further credits include films such as Sweet Dreams, Music Box, The Postman and many more. Event takes place on March 1 at GFT 1. 

In Conversation with James McAvoy

Glasgow native James McAvoy returns home to discuss his wide-ranging career from his debut in David Hayman’s The Near Room to breakthrough performances in The Last King of Scotland and Atonement. The actor has starred in audience favorites such as The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe as well as the X-Men franchise films and critically acclaimed thrillers Split, Glass and Speak No Evil. McAvoy is set to make his feature directorial debut California Schemin’, set in Scotland. Go and see the In Conversation event on March 2 at GFT 2. 

The Extraordinary Miss Flower

Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, the filmmaking duo behind BAFTA-nominated Nick Cave pic 20,000 Days on Earth, have made what Deadline’s Damon Wise describes as “an extraordinary experimental biopic” with “psychedelic charms” dubbed The Extraordinary Miss Flower. The project brings to life the remarkable story of Geraldine Flower and the discovery of a suitcase of letters sent to her in the 1960s and 1970s that inspired acclaimed Icelandic singer-songwriter Emilíana Torrini to return to the studio. With performances from Torrini, Caroline Catz (who plays Miss Flower), Richard Ayoade, Siggi Baldursson, Nick Cave, Alice Lowe, Mark Monero, Niall Murphy and Angus Sampson, this is one not to be missed. 

Four Mothers

James McArdle stars in uplifting comedy Four Mothers as Edward, a Young Adult novelist and carer of his non-verbal mom Alma (Fionnula Flanagan), who gives him orders via an iPad. As the excitement of a U.S. book tour builds, he is suddenly faced with an unexpected twist as his three friends decide to take an impromptu Pride getaway to Spain, leaving their mothers in his care. The film won the London Film Festival Audience Award.

Make It To Munich – Closing Night Film

Martyn Robertson directs this inspiring documentary, which follows 18-year-old Ethan Walker who, just months after nearly losing his life in an accident, embarks on a 1200km charity cycle ride to Munich for Scotland’s Euros opening game against Germany. 

The Glasgow Film Festival takes place February 26 – March 9, 2025.