Courtesy of Millie Turner/BFI
Every autumn, London transforms into the capital of world cinema as the BFI London Film Festival brings together filmmakers, artists, and audiences in celebration of storytelling on screen.
Founded in 1957 by the British Film Institute, the festival has evolved from a modest showcase of the year’s standout films into one of the most anticipated cultural events on the international calendar. It remains a platform where premieres meet discovery, and where emerging directors stand alongside established masters.
Screenings take place across some of the city’s most distinguished venues — from the BFI Southbank and Royal Festival Hall to the West End’s historic cinemas. More than 300 titles encompass fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental works, reflecting the diversity and ambition of global cinema today.
Innovation and inclusivity define the festival’s identity. Sections such as Experimenta celebrate the avant-garde, while the Audience Award and Official Competition encourage a closer dialogue between creators and viewers. Complemented by panels, forums, and public talks, the festival reaffirms London’s role as a vital centre for cinematic conversation.
What began as a national showcase has become a global institution — a reminder that cinema, at its best, remains both an art form and a shared experience.
