Tim Burton's Frankenweenie to open the 2012 London Film Festival

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Burton animation to launch 56th BFI film fest...

The 56th BFI London Film Festival has announced this year’s event will open on Wednesday 10 October with the European Premiere of Frankenweenie , the new stop-motion 3D animation directed by Tim Burton ( The Corpse Bride , The Nightmare Before Christmas ).

After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life - with just a few minor adjustments.

He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new 'leash on life' can be monstrous.

Clare Stewart, BFI Head of Exhibition comments on her first Opening Night choice as Festival Director:

"Funny, dark and whimsical, this gloriously crafted, stop-motion 3D animation from Tim Burton – the reigning prince of outsiders – playfully turns the Frankenstein story on its bolted-on head. Frankenweenie is a perfect choice of opener – it’s a film about the magic of movies from one of cinema’s great visionaries."

"Tim Burton has chosen London as his home city and hundreds of talented British craftspeople have contributed to this production. To host the European Premiere, to present The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition and to take our Opening Night out to 30 screens means we are making the Festival even more accessible for film fans across the UK."

The 56th BFI London Film Festival, in partnership with American Express, beings on 10 October. Bookmark Total Film for full Festival coverage.

Sam Ashurst

Sam Ashurst is a London-based film maker, journalist, and podcast host. He's the director of Frankenstein's Creature, A Little More Flesh + A Little More Flesh 2, and co-hosts the Arrow Podcast. His words have appeared on HuffPost, MSN, The Independent, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, and many more, as well as of course for us here at GamesRadar+.