The 70th BFI London Film Festival (LFF) has announced the full programme for its 12-day event which runs from 7 to 18 October.
The LFF’s diverse line-up showcases 251 features, shorts, series and immersive works from 88 countries. This includes 109 works made by
female filmmakers (43% of the programme) alongside 33 world premieres, 16 international premieres and 20 European premieres.
The full programme is available at: www.bfi.org.uk/lff
Audiences will return to flagship venues including the BFI’s home at the heart of London’s South Bank – BFI Southbank – as well the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, and cinemas and venues across central London. LFF On Tour visits 10 partner venues in nations and regions UK wide, with venues selecting films from a choice of 14 LFF titles
The Festival opens with the European premiere of Simon Stone’s Elsinore and closes with the UK premiere of Jesse Eisenberg’s The Debut.
The Mayor of London’s Gala focuses on the the UK premiere of Danny Boyle’s Ink while the Patrons’ Gala will show the International premiere of Tony Gilroy’s Behemoth.
The Festival also includes Screen Talks with Andrew Scott, Ava DuVernay, Cynthia Erivo, Jesse Eisenberg and John Malkovich at BFI Southbank; Sofia Coppola at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall; Brad Bird, James Gray, Mahershala Ali and Naomi Ackie at Curzon Soho; and Danny Boyle at HOME, Manchester
Nominated titles from the short film competition will be available to stream UK-wide, for free, on BFI Player from 7 – 25 October
LFF Expanded brings audiences cutting-edge immersive art, extended reality and video games, with works presented at BFI Southbank, BFI IMAX and St Martin-in-the-Fields.
LFF for Free offers audiences a wide-ranging programme of illustrated talks, panel discussions, workshops, DJ Nights and fun family events, in-person at BFI Southbank as well as short films online on BFI Player – all completely free of charge
LFF Series showcases international work made for television or digital platforms.
Kristy Matheson, Artistic Director, BFI Festivals, said: “When this Festival first sprung to life 70 years ago, little more than a decade after the end of the Second World War, British society was in a period of rapid social change. Then, like now, we turn to artists to synthesise our times.
“And what a vision they have for us in 2026; tumults of the era live inside our programme, but so too do cinematic thrills, moral conundrums and a reoccurring exploration of care and community. If you find yourself in London, or across the UK, this October, the opportunity to experience worlds outside ourselves will be on offer. We hope you can join us.”
Ben Roberts, Chief Executive, BFI, said: “This year, the blockbusters, the indie breakouts and the debuts have drawn audiences to cinemas in record numbers. A reminder that discovering a new film in a room of fellow fans is a thrill like nothing else. As our anticipation builds for LFF, we’re grateful to everyone who helps us fill screens across the UK: to our brilliant audiences, Members and Patrons; the visionary filmmakers and film teams who bring their work; our generous funders, sponsors and industry partners; and, of course, the excellent teams at the BFI.”
