SpotlightTalks hit the red carpet at the 70th BFI London Film Festival

If you were stuck somewhere freezing for a long winter, who would you want by your side? Someone who knows how to survive in the wild, someone who can cook, or just someone who’s willing to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in?

That’s exactly what we asked the team behind A Long Winter when we caught up with them on the red carpet at the 70th BFI London Film Festival — and their answers were brilliant.

First up, producer Tristan Goligher chose Caitríona Balfe, and for good reason. He told us that within just two weeks of arriving to film, Caitríona was already getting stuck in and learning how to skin rabbits — without flinching once. Now that’s the kind of person you want around when things get tough.

Martin Freeman went for Fred Hechinger, explaining that he’d had more experience being stuck up a mountain with him. So, if anyone knows what they’re getting themselves into, it sounds like these two do.

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Fred had a different survival skill in mind, picking Ebon Moss-Bachrach because he helped cook food for everyone. Honestly, we can’t argue with that logic. When winter rolls around, a good cook is worth their weight in gold.

And Caitríona? She chose producer Mike, because he wasn’t afraid to get stuck in and get his hands dirty. It sounds like the crew were just as hands-on as the cast!

It was a fun little insight into the team behind the film, and a reminder that sometimes it’s the shared experiences off camera that make a project even more memorable.

Why A Long Winter deserves a spot on your watchlist

There’s something special about getting to see a film at the BFI London Film Festival. It’s one of the highlights of the UK film calendar, bringing together established names, emerging talent and audiences who love discovering something new. From the premieres to the red-carpet conversations, the festival gives films a platform to be experienced and talked about, and gives audiences the chance to hear directly from the people who bring them to life.

If A Long Winter is on your radar, keep an eye out for it. And if you’re heading to the cinema soon, consider adding it to your list. There’s nothing quite like discovering a film on the big screen and getting swept up in its world.

Keep an eye on SpotlightTalks for more red carpet moments, film coverage and behind the scenes conversations from the world of Film and Entertainment. A Long Winter hits UK and Irish cinemas on the 27th of January 2027.