'Colette' at the 62nd BFI London Film Festival

Reporter Eden was on hand at the 62nd BFI London Film Festival to attend the red carpet premiere of new historical biopic Colette, where she spoke with leading lady Keira Knightley and co-star Denise Gough about a period drama with a difference.

Colette follows Sidonie-Gabrielle - aka 'Colette' - as she fights for her rights both personally and professionally after ghost-writing a series of successful novels for her famous husband. The film explores feminism, celebrity and LGBT identity, all within the lush and lavish settings of 19th century France. Check out the videos above (Knightley) and below (Gough) to see Eden's short red carpet interviews.

Colette is released in the UK on 11 January 2019.

For more films that focus on LGBT history, check out our LGBT History on Screen film list to see how you can explore this topic with your students or club members.

Eden reviews Colette

Although Colette is a period drama, the themes of are extremely modern. The film argues for gender equality and LGBT rights in the least pushed way possible.

This film is extremely important as it shows the story of an amazing woman who otherwise would have disappeared into history. Although the film has some irritating mainstream tropes, such as putting narrative above the depiction of human emotion, it is still very enjoyable and intriguing. 

Considering the importance of the story, it is wonderful that a big name such as Keira Knightly heads the film, as it means that larger audiences will flock to see it. 

All in all this film will not disappoint and I highly recommend it to anyone as the story is universally important.