London 2012 Festival is the 12-week UK-wide cultural celebration, running from June 21 to September 9, which aims to bring together leading artists from across the world during the Olympics and Paralympics.

It is a major boost for the project to have Kapadia because the 39-year-old Hackney-born Brit of Indian decent has made a number of widely acclaimed films including the documentary film Senna, which depicts the life and death of legendary Brazilian motor-racing champion Ayrton Senna.

His new film, titled The Odyssey, will join three new films by leading UK filmmakers that have already been confirmed as part of the commission.

These are A Running Jump by Mike Leigh, Lynne Ramsay's Swimmer and What If directed by the Streetdance duo of Max Giwa and Dania Pasquini.

These four films will receive their world premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on June 24 and their London premiere here at the Hackney Picturehouse on June 25 with a live simulcast to around 50 cinemas across the UK thanks to a partnership with Picturehouse cinemas.

The films will also be screened on the BBC and Channel 4 during the London 2012 Festival period.

Details will be announced later.

"As a Hackney boy I'm delighted to have an opportunity to contribute to the London 2012 Festival and be part of the cultural celebrations taking place for the London Games," said Kapadia.

"My film will explore the relationship between London and the Games, and I look forward to it receiving its London premiere in the heart of East London this June at the Hackney Picturehouse."

It was also announced that Twentieth Century Fox and the BFI will release a new, digitally remastered version of multi Oscar-winner Chariots of Fire in cinemas across the UK as part of the London 2012 Festival.


From July 15, a whole new generation will be able to enjoy the much-loved Olympics film about legendary British athletes Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams who competed at the Paris 1924 Games.

"The film programme for the London 2012 Festival not only showcases the UK's leading talent but importantly, when the eyes of the world are on us, gives a platform for young and emerging filmmakers to showcase their work on a world stage," said Ruth Mackenzie, the director of the London 2012 Festival.

The BFI will also present Alfred Hitchcock's early silent British masterpieces, restored to their former glory by the BFI National Archive and presented in a series of one-off screenings across London with newly commissioned scores performed live by contemporary British music talent.

On television, BBC Two's Shakespeare history plays Richard II, Henry IV Part I and Part II, and Henry V will feature an all-star cast including Jeremy Irons, Ben Wishaw, Tom Hiddleston, Patrick Stewart, David Suchet, David Morrissey, Simon Russell Beale, Julie Walters, John Hurt and Richard Griffiths.

Among numerous other projects, the London 2012 Festival film programme will also see thousands participating in film projects showcasing the UK's emerging talent.

"Our brilliant film industry lies at the very heart of the UK's cultural landscape and it is fitting that the London 2012 Festival is celebrating our fantastic cinematic achievements with this exciting film programme," added Culture Minister Ed Vaizey.

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