The movie is the first Cronenberg has shot entirely outside Canada

Eastern Promises stars Viggo Mortenson, who previously worked with Cronenberg on the Oscar-nominated psychological drama A History of Violence in 2005.

It tells the story of a Russian mobster whose life of crime is threatened by a nosy midwife, played by Naomi Watts.

The 51st London Film Festival launches on 17 October. "I can't wait to be there," said Cronenberg.

"Eastern Promises is the first film I've ever shot entirely away from my home in Canada, and it makes perfect sense that it is set in London, home of so many of my most potent film influences."

'Perfect opener'

Festival director Sandra Hebron said: "It's hugely exciting that a director who has consistently thrilled and challenged us throughout his career has made a film in our city.

"This gripping, powerfully directed and acted story of lives colliding in contemporary London is the perfect opener."

Eastern Promises follows in the footsteps of the Oscar-winning Last King of Scotland, which launched last year's London Film Festival.

It is written by Steven Knight, who picked up several awards for his last screenplay, Dirty Pretty Things, which was filmed by Stephen Frears and starred Audrey Tautou and Chiwetel Ejiofor.