Now in its fourth year, the BBC First British Film Festival 2016 program features a spread of international award-winners, crowd favourites and Australian premieres. This year’s films feature a star-studded line up of cinematic delights that dive directly into British culture, humour and traditions, heralding this year’s festival as the biggest one yet.

The festival will open with the Australian premiere of Amma Asante’s period drama A United Kingdom, which comes straight from its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and opening the 60th BFI London Film Festival. Starring David Oyelowo (Selma) and Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl), the film is based on the book Colour Bar by Susan Williams. The narrative is inspired by the true story of young Prince Seretse Khama of Botswana, who caused an international scandal when he married a white Englishwoman in 1948.

The festival will close with A Monster Calls, based on the acclaimed book by Patrick Ness and starring Britain’s Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything), newcomer Lewis MacDougall and the legendary Liam Neeson as the voice of the monster. This is a visually spectacular film about a young boy who delves into a world of fantasy, imagination and monsters to deal with the reality of his mother’s terminal illness.

I, Daniel Blake, the highly anticipated Palme d’Or-winning new film from acclaimed British director Ken Loach is also a program highlight. Showcasing the director’s signature style, the film is a complex exploration of socio-economic issues in Britain that tells the story of 59-year-old carpenter Daniel, who after working as a joiner for most of his life in Newcastle injures himself and requires help from the state. He befriends Katie, a single mother with two young children, and the two form a mutually beneficial alliance.

Keep up to date with what’s happening at the festival via the official Facebook page.