The world premiere of Ron Howard's Frost/Nixon is to open The Times BFI London Film Festival.

The Universal Pictures film - adapted by Peter Morgan from his hit stage play - will screen on October 15.

The story of a legendary 1977 US television interview between UK television presenter David Frost and disgraced US president Richard Nixon, two years after he stepped down following Watergate, is one of the most anticipated films of the year.

It is produced by Brian Grazer with Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner and stars Michael Sheen and Frank Langella as Frost and Nixon.

The film will be released in the UK on January 9 next year.

'We're delighted to be opening our festival with this fascinating study of a unique moment in cultural and political life,' said Festival Artistic Director Sandra Hebron.

'Engrossing and entertaining by turns, and brilliantly performed, it is a film with strong London links and a perfect opener for this year's festival.'

Topics