Dev Patel-starrer 'The Personal History of David Copperfield' to open BFI London Film Festival

Dev Patel-starrer period drama "The Personal History of David Copperfield" will have its European premiere as the Opening Night gala of the BFI London Film Festival on October 2.

This year's festival runs October 3 to 13.

Armando Iannucci has adapted the Charles Dickens classic with Patel, who is best known for his work in "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Lion".

Iannucci, an avid Dickens fan, has previously directed "The Thick of It", "In the Loop" and "The Death of Stalin".

"It's a huge thrill and honour to be asked to open the fantastic BFI London Film Festival. The Personal History of David Copperfield is a film about compassion, humour, generosity and friendship, and I couldn't have asked for a more welcoming setting in which to premiere it," Iannucci said in a statement, posted on the festival's official website.

Calling Iannucci as one of the most "prodigiously talented and original filmmakers, BFI London Film Festival Director Tricia Tuttle said "The Personal History of David Copperfield" was the eighth Film4 production in ten years to be selected for the festival.

"'The Personal History of David Copperfield' shows his trademark wit and a joyous sense of style it's a delight from start to finish, with Dev Patel and co-stars delivering performances of megawatt charm and comic flair. I'm so excited to be opening the 63rd BFI London Film Festival with this film which is not only wildly entertaining but also a timely celebration of the power of generosity and compassion," Tuttle added.