The Constant Gardener, 19th October

We sort of expect film festivals to open with a bang - you know, the red carpet, celebs, glitter and shimmer and oh, yes, a film. This year, The Times bfi London Film Festival opened with the Gala screening of Fernando Meirelles' political thriller The Constant Gardener.

What can I say, first the heavens opened shortly after Rachel Weisz arrived, but being the true star that she is Rachel did not let a little rain upstage her, good on you Rachel you won the hearts of many admirers tonight. Fernando Meirelles did the press, then went in to the screening - this upset a lot of his loyal fans who had been waiting outside from the early hours of the morning to catch a glimpse of the man himself, or even better an autograph.

Ralph Fiennes plane was late from the US, which resulted in him almost missing the screening of his own movie, he arrived 45 mins late, with the car speeding up the red carpret and skidding just outside the enterance, I think a few of the photographers needed a change of pant's after that little stunt.

I would like to thank Max and Robb, who have some very good pictures of the event on their website www.coolfotodudes.com, for supplying the above picture.