Now in its 42nd year, the LFF is one of the largest film festivals in the world. It is also the most important in the British filmgoer's calendar.

In 1998 the emphasis is on world cinema, to highlight that innovation on celluloid is truly global.

Paul Newman and Susan Sarandon share centre stage in Twilight

Hollywood glitz, British cool, Far Eastern promise - all make an appearance in various guises from short cuts and epics to animation and classics.

Festival director Adrian Wooten says of his diverse programme: "1998 has been an exciting year for movie making.

"We hope that we have created an accessible event, which will tempt the public to experiment not just with the blockbusters but with films from every corner of the world."

Many are premieres and exclusive screenings, showcasing some of the most exciting new talent in the industry ahead of anywhere else in the UK.

There is also the chance to brush shoulders with the stars at open interviews, masterclasses and other special events.

From mime to rap

Kicking off proceedings was the British film Little Voice - the movie adaptation of Jim Cartwright's award-winning play.

It boasts an all-star cast of Ewan McGregor, Michael Caine and Absolutely Fabulous' Jane Horrocks.

Jane Horrocks making a big noise in Little Voice

It tells the story of Laura (Horrocks), a gifted mimic whose talent is being exploited by promoter Ray Say (Caine) while at the same time she is wooed by a telephone repairman (McGregor).

In marked contrast, Bulworth, which closes the festival, is from the Hollywood kitchen. It stars veteran heartthrob Warren Beatty in an offbeat political drama.

Beatty plays a corrupt Democratic senator from California who, just days before an election, falls in love and rediscovers his political voice as a rapping, radical populist.

"Rap music is the language of social protest," Beatty explains.

"He who fails to listen fails to hear at his own peril."

Shining talents

Appearing between these two features is a wide choice of more than 200 films. Some carry big names such as Paul Newman in Twilight. Others rest on the laurels of famous directors such as Hitchcock or Epstein, to name but two.

Smoke Signals: A debut film worth attention

Films like Smoke Signals - the first film wholly produced, directed and starring Native Americans - shows that talent, not names, is what great cinema is all about.

There is also a strong archive programme on offer. Fall of the House of Usher, for example, is a black and white French classic that received considerable critical success when it was first released in 1965.

An adaptation of several of the works of Edgar Allan Poe, it tells the disturbing tale of a husband who refuses to believe his wife is dead and forbids the coffin to be nailed down.

This year the festival has been slimmed down by three days but the number of venues around the capital has expanded to 14.

The Fall of the House of Usher: A gem from the archives

The idea, say organisers, is to bring the festival to as many people as possible.

And to carry this through beyond the festival, a selection of features will travel to various provincial cities after the close.

In the end, however, it is the movies themselves that matter and in that respect this year's event is as diverse as ever.

The London Film Festival runs from 5-19 November. For full details ring 0891 232 030.