An award-winning controversial film about the last days of republican hunger striker Bobby Sands is to be shown at this year's London Film Festival.

Hunger, directed by Steve McQueen, will premiere in London before going on general release at the end of October.

The movie has earned McQueen the prestigious Camera d’or at Cannes and the Gucci Group Award at the Venice Film Festival.

Despite its controversial subject, cinema insiders believe the film’s art house style may prevent it becoming a target for protest.

Michael McAdam, managing director of Moviehouse Cinemas said: “I don't know how it will be received.

“I had some concerns about it, more so than any other film, because we are stable with the peace process and I was worried someone would try to hi-jack this film to make a point.”

Mr McAdam said he was aware that a section of the community might not be happy to see Hunger in cinemas here.

He said: “There are some people who think that things should be left alone but as a man who shows films for a living you have to take a stand. I am not here to be a censor.”

He is confident, however, it will be well attended. He said: “The thing is, it is outlining a part of Northern Irish history and my experience has been that any movies about Northern Ireland are very well attended.

“Like Some Mother's Son, and In The Name of The Father, the initial few days are when people of that political persuasion will go and then people who are just interested start going.”

The London Film Festival starts on October 15 and this year has a political and historic focus. Alongside Hunger there will be two films about American presidents; Frost/Nixon, about the famous David Frost interviews with Richard Nixon from Ron Howard and Oliver Stone’s W about the current White House incumbent.

A host of blockbusters are to be shown at the festival. Most notably, the latest 007 film will be screened on October 29.

According to Mr McAdam, this is set to be one of the biggest draws of the autumn, particularly following the success of Casino Royale.

Mr McAdam also offered tips to Northern Irish audiences.

He said: “If you like being terrified then Mirrors with Kiefer Sutherland and the Changeling, directed by Clint Eastwood should be very good.”