John Lennon, pictured here in 1963, is the subject of a new movie which focuses on his teen years. (Terry O'Neill/Getty)

Nowhere Boy, a depiction of John Lennon's early years, will be the closing-night film at this year's London film festival.

The festival's artistic director, Sandra Hebron, described artist Sam Taylor-Wood's debut film as "less a biopic and more a love-story."

"[The film is] as accomplished as it is moving and will ensure the festival ends on a high note," she said.

Lennon died on Dec. 8, 1980, shot by deranged fan Mark David Chapman at Lennon's New York city apartment building.

The film follows the British musician, who was propelled to stardom as a member of the popular pop group The Beatles, through his teen years and chronicles his relationship with his mother, Julia, and his Aunt Mimi.

It stars newcomer Aaron Johnson as Lennon, Anne-Marie Duff as Julie and Kristin Scott Thomas as Mimi.

There is much anticipation surrounding the biopic, with a screenplay by Matt Greenhalgh, who scripted Control — the movie about Joy Division's Ian Curtis, which won much acclaim in 2007.

The London film festival launches Oct. 14 with the film Fantastic Mr. Fox, Wes Anderson's version of Roald Dahl's children's story. Voices for the animated movie were provided by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Anjelica Huston and Michael Gambon.

The festival, backed by the British Film Institute, ends on Oct. 29.