The 69th BFI London Film Festival (LFF), in partnership with American Express, returns from 8–19 October 2025 with a dazzling line-up of films, premieres, talks and immersive experiences across London and the UK.
The BFI London Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world along with alongside the Cannes Film Festival, the Berlinale, Venice International Film Festival. It is held in the UK capital in October.
History of the BFI London Film Festival
What began as a dinner party discussion at the home of Film critic Dilys Powell bemoaning a lack of a quality film festival in the UK capital has grown into one of Europe’s premier film events. The first festival was held at the National Film Theatre (NFT), now called the BFI Southbank, in 1957. Initially the festival was conceived as a ‘festival of festival’ screening films that had claimed awards at Cannes, Venice and Berlin. The original screening was Akira Kurosawa’s Throne of Blood. It was not until 1960 that the first British film, Karel Reisz’s Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, was screened.
By the 1970s the festival had evolved to include many UK premiers. Now the London Film Festival is truly global featuring films from all continents at venues across London and not just on the Southbank. In its 60-something years, the BFI has seen actors and directors from around the world brave the Autumnal British weather to grace the red carpet.
BFI London Film Festival 2025
The festival opens in style with the International Premiere of Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, bringing Daniel Craig’s detective Benoit Blanc back to the big screen alongside an all-star cast including Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close and Kerry Washington. Closing night belongs to the UK Premiere of Julia Jackman’s 100 Nights of Hero, a lavish fantasy epic set to enchant audiences at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall.
Among the eagerly anticipated Gala screenings are the UK Premiere of Hikari’s Rental Family, a poignant Japanese drama led by Brendan Fraser, and Noah Baumbach’s star-studded comedy-drama Jay Kelly, featuring George Clooney, Adam Sandler and Laura Dern. Chloé Zhao presents the European Premiere of Hamnet, adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s prize-winning novel, while Philippa Lowthorpe’s H is for Hawk, starring Claire Foy and Brendan Gleeson, receives its UK Premiere as the Patrons’ Gala. UK Premiere’s also include Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia, Claire Denis’ The Fence and Gastón Solnicki’s The Souffleur. There will be the World Premiere of Samuel Abrahams’ Lady.
In total, the Festival will present 247 titles from 79 countries, including 27 World Premieres. A striking 42% of the programme comes from female and non-binary filmmakers, underlining the LFF’s commitment to diverse voices. Beyond the big screen, audiences can explore LFF Expanded, showcasing cutting-edge immersive art and XR works, while LFF Series highlights global episodic storytelling.
Cinephiles can also enjoy free talks, workshops and screenings, including Screen Talks with Yorgos Lanthimos, Daniel Day-Lewis and Chloé Zhao, available both in person and online. With screenings across London and nationwide partner cinemas, plus digital access on BFI Player, the LFF promises a vibrant and inclusive celebration of film in all its forms.
For full programme details visit bfi.org.uk/lff.
Festival Awards and Competitions
Naturally, there are also a number of awards and accolades handed out at the film festival. You can see details of these here. These include the prestigious Official Competition.
For a more indie film festival in London try the Raindance Film Festival.
Where is the BFI Film Festival?
The BFI Southbank (main image) is the home of the festival but there will be screenings at cinemas and venues across London including: BFI Southbank IMAX; Curzon Mayfair; Curzon Soho; Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA); Prince Charles Cinema and Vue West End. A list of all the venues can be found here.
BFI London Film Festival Tickets
To see prices and to purchase tickets for the festival, click here.
When is the 69th BFI London Film Festival?
From 9 to 20 October, 2024.
Cover image: Letitia Wright, Director of ‘Highway to the Moon’, attends the 69th BFI London Film Festival press launch at BFI Southbank on September 03, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for BFI)