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BFI London Film Festival 2026: Everything you need to know

The BFI London Film Festival is marking its 70th anniversary with one of its largest editions. A total 251 films, series, shorts and immersive works from 88 countries are coming to London from 7 to 18 October 2026.  

As with every year, the festival is not one to miss. Outside of catching the latest releases, there are also events, talks, activities for kids and DJ nights to keep the party going. 

Explore this year’s BFI London Film Festival programme and discover the films, talks and events worth adding to your itinerary. 

When is the London Film Festival?

The BFI London Film Festival runs from 7 to 18 October 2026, with screenings and events taking place at BFI Southbank, the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall and cinemas across London and the UK. 

What are the best films to see at the London Film Festival? 

You are truly spoilt for choice this year, and your most difficult decision will be choosing which films out of the incredible line-up to prioritise. 

Elsinore, starring Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman, is this year’s opener, while the UK premiere of The Debut, starring Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti, closes the festival. 

Danny Boyle, who debuted his Oscar-winning drama Slumdog Millionaire at the London Film Festival in 2008, is back with Ink. Starring Jack O’Connell as media mogul Rupert Murdoch, this film follows the story of how he acquired tabloid newspaper The Sun. Elsewhere, Marvel director Taika Waititi adapts Kazuo Ishiguro’s bestselling novel Klara And The Sun, starring Jenna Ortega as an artificial life form who comes into the life of a troubled young girl. 

Adapted from the West End hit of the same name, Frank and Percy sees Roger Allam and Ian McKellen reprise their stage roles as the unlikely pair who strike up a conversation while dog-walking on Hampstead Heath. In case you need more of a reason to watch, the star-studded cast includes Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley, Derek Jacobi, Ncuti Gatwa and Siân Phillips.  

Other highlights include A Long Winter, written and directed by Andrew Haigh, the person behind All of Us Strangers. Described as a “sensitive drama,” this film transforms a snowbound landscape into a space where beauty and longing exist in delicate equilibrium. Another to add to your watchlist is the “must-see British drama” ANIMOL. Set in a young offenders’ institute, it follows Troy as he encounters the two people who will define his life on the inside. And lastly, Cynthia Erivo stars in the feature adaptation of Prima Facie, Suzie Miller’s powerful play about an ambitious barrister. The highly acclaimed West End and Broadway productions of Prima Facie saw Jodie Comer win both an Olivier and Tony Award.  

Discover the full programme here. 

Events at the London Film Festival

Talks and in-depth interviews 

Instead of watching your favourite actor on the big screen, see them in person at one of the festival’s Screen Talks. 

This year’s line-up includes Andrew Scott, Cynthia Erivo, Sofia Coppola, Mahershala Ali, Danny Boyle, John Malkovich and more. 

Slot one of these talks in after seeing a film, and you’ve got the makings of a great day at the festival. 

Surprise Film 

Take a leap of faith and let the London Film Festival choose your movie for you. Its Surprise Film screenings have previously included Tuner, Saturday Night, Ferrari, The Menu and C’mon C’mon. 

What’s planned for this year? There’s only one way to find out. Book your ticket and let the guessing game begin! 

Free events at the London Film Festival

Family-friendly events 

Discover free family events inspired by films screening at this year’s festival. 

Build A Bug 

Create your own extraordinary insect companion in this hands-on craft activity inspired by A Mighty Adventure. 

You’ll use colourful craft materials to design your insect, giving it a unique look, personality and special talent.  

After dreaming up an adventure for your bug, you can bring it along to the A Mighty Adventure screening held right after this craft session. While Build A Bug is a free drop-in event with no booking required, you will need to buy tickets to watch the movie. 

The Mermaid Parade 

Inspired by the animated film Julián, where a seven-year-old boy dreams of becoming a mermaid, join a fun and playful craft workshop. In The Mermaid Parade, kids create vibrant mermaid tails using collage, paint and mixed materials. No experience needed, just bring your wildest imagination. 

This is a free drop-in event with no booking required. 

Movie quiz

Test your knowledge of the real places behind some of cinema’s most memorable moments, uncover fascinating stories from film history and discover how castles, cities, landscapes and landmarks became stars of the silver screen. 

The event is free and open to all, but you’ll need to book a ticket to attend. 

DJ Nights 

Head to the dancefloor on the Friday and Saturday nights of the festival for the DJ Nights series, with free sets inspired by films in this year’s programme. 

DJ Nights are free and open to those aged 18 and over. No booking required. 

NYC After Dark, 9 October 

Drawing on the legacy of the clubs and sounds that shaped 1980s New York, DJ Mike Menace spins disco, boogie, synth-pop and new wave in NYC After Dark. 

Ritmos de América Latina, 10 October 

DJ Moralito celebrates the festival’s Latin American films with a set spanning samba, baile funk and cumbia to reggaetón and salsa at Ritmos de América Latina. 

7 Miles Out: Journey to The Haçienda, 16 October 

Inspired by Carol Morley’s autobiographical 7 Miles Out, this set explores the music and culture of Manchester’s legendary Haçienda Club, from indie dance, Chicago and acid house to Balearic classics and warehouse anthems. Expect an eclectic soundtrack at 7 Miles Out: Journey to The Haçienda. 

Club Labor: Back to 2016, 17 October 

Return to 2016 and celebrate the unforgettable hits that defined one of music’s most exciting years. Revisit the hit sounds of Rihanna, Drake, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Fifth Harmony, The Weeknd and many more at Club Labor: Back to 2016. 

How much do tickets cost for the London Film Festival? 

Tickets go on general sale at 10am on 17 September. If you’re a BFI Member, you have early access on 9 September (BFI Patrons) and 10 September (BFI Members). 

Tickets start from £10, or £6 for 25 and Under account members.  

You can find out more about tickets and booking here. 

How to get to the London Film Festival 

The festival’s flagship London venues include BFI Southbank and the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, both of which are within easy reach of Waterloo and Embankment stations. 

Tube 

Waterloo: Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo and Waterloo & City lines 

Embankment: District, Circle, Northern and Bakerloo lines 

Train 

Waterloo: South Western Railway 

Waterloo East: Southeastern 

Bus 

There are dozens of stops within the Royal Festival Hall vicinity that have routes across London. 

Where to stay during the London Film Festival

If you’re travelling from further afield or are a Londoner looking for a hotel to complement your festival experience, choose art’otel London Battersea Power Station or art’otel London Hoxton as your base. 

Choose art’otel London Hoxton for easy access to the culture and nightlife of East London, or art’otel London Battersea Power Station for riverside dining, shopping and quick connections to central London. 

Both hotels place you in two of the city’s most exciting neighbourhoods, with art, workshops, events and dining to explore on-site. 

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