Meryl Streep drama ‘Suffragette’ to open London Film Fest

In this Wednesday, March 4, 2015 file photo, Meryl Streep waves to photographers during the Japan premiere of “Into the Woods” in Tokyo. AP

LONDON — Historical drama “Suffragette,” starring Carey Mulligan and Meryl Streep as votes-for-women campaigners, will open this year’s London Film Festival.

Organizers say the film’s European premiere will kick off the 59th annual festival Oct. 7.

Helena Bonham Carter also appears in the drama about the campaigners who risked life and liberty to fight for women’s suffrage a century ago. It’s directed by Sarah Gavron (“Brick Lane”) and written by Abi Morgan (“The Iron Lady.”)

It is the first commercial feature which has been allowed to film inside London’s Houses of Parliament.

Festival director Clare Stewart said Wednesday “Suffragette” was “an urgent and compelling film — made by British women, about British women who changed the course of history.”

The full program for the Oct 7-18 festival will be announced in September.