GB Upcoming

BFI London Film Festival

Name: BFI London Film Festival
Start: 2026-10-07
End: 2026-10-18
Location: London

The 70th BFI London Film Festival is scheduled to take place from October 7 to 18, 2026, featuring a massive program of 251 films from 88 countries. Centered in London but expanding across the United Kingdom via satellite screenings, the landmark anniversary edition showcases world-class cinema, gala presentations, and competitive categories.

Date: Oct 7-18, 2026
Location: London
Status: Upcoming

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Event summary

Highlights

Opening night European premiere of 'Elsinore' starring Andrew Scott
Program featuring 251 titles from 88 different nations
Satellite screenings held at 10 partner cinemas across the UK
Official competition featuring 10 international feature films

The 2026 BFI London Film Festival marks its 70th anniversary with a diverse lineup that includes 33 world premieres. The event opens with the European premiere of 'Elsinore,' a biopic of actor Ian Charleson directed by Simon Stone and starring Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman. The official competition features ten international films, including works by Hirokazu Kore-eda, Carol Morley, and Giovanni Tortorici’s 'Ketticè' featuring Monica Bellucci. Other major titles slated for the festival include Danny Boyle's 'Ink,' Martin McDonagh's 'Wild Horse Nine,' and Mike Leigh's 'Tender Loving Care.'

Beyond the primary London venues, the festival extends its reach to ten partner cinemas nationwide, including locations in Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow, and Manchester. The program is organized into thematic strands such as 'Love' and 'Life/Drawing,' alongside a series of 'Screen Talks' with industry figures like Cynthia Erivo, Sofia Coppola, and John Malkovich. Artistic Director Kristy Matheson noted that this year's selection emphasizes themes of labor, care systems, and personal histories, with female filmmakers directing approximately 43% of the total program.

Practical details

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.