Experience a Star-Studded Gala Premiere
The core of the festival experience is the red-carpet Gala. These screenings at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall are your first chance to see some of the year's most anticipated films. This year's lineup includes Luca Guadagnino’s 'Artificial'
starring Andrew Garfield, Taika Waititi’s adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s 'Klara and the Sun' with Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams, and Martin McDonagh’s 'Wild Horse Nine' with John Malkovich. A gala isn't just a screening; it’s an event, complete with an electric atmosphere and often an introduction from the cast and crew.
Hear from Hollywood Legends at a Screen Talk
Go beyond the screen with the LFF's acclaimed Screen Talks, which offer in-depth interviews with leading actors and directors. This year’s lineup is exceptional, featuring conversations with American filmmakers like Sofia Coppola, Ava DuVernay, James Gray, and Brad Bird. Actors Mahershala Ali, Jesse Eisenberg, and John Malkovich are also scheduled to appear. These events, held at venues like BFI Southbank and Curzon Soho, provide rare insights into the creative process from the artists who define modern cinema.
Dive into the Future with LFF Expanded
For a truly different kind of film festival experience, explore LFF Expanded, the strand dedicated to immersive and interactive art. This year, nine projects using virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and video games are presented across venues including the BFI IMAX and a new space at St Martin-in-the-Fields. Highlights include 'Water Body', an installation exploring the planet's ecosystems, and 'Red the Ocean Around U', an AI-guided environment that changes with visitor interaction. It's a fascinating glimpse into the future of storytelling.
Catch the Opening or Closing Night Buzz
There’s nothing like the energy of the festival's opening and closing nights. The 70th LFF opens on October 7 with 'Elsinore', a drama about actor Ian Charleson starring Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman. It closes on October 18 with Jesse Eisenberg’s directorial feature, 'The Debut', a comedy set in the world of community theater starring Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti. Attending one of these landmark screenings is the ultimate way to bookend your festival journey.
Take a Chance on the Surprise Film
Feeling adventurous? Each year, the festival schedules a top-secret screening, known only as the Surprise Film. In past years, this slot has featured major, unannounced premieres of films like 'The Menu' and 'Ferrari'. It’s a leap of faith for the discerning cinephile, offering major bragging rights if you’re in the room for a film that becomes one of the season’s biggest hits. There's only one way to find out what it is: buy a ticket and show up.
Discover a Debut Director
The festival is a launchpad for new talent. Spend a day exploring the First Feature Competition, which showcases the work of emerging international filmmakers. This year’s selection includes films like 'Animol' from UK director Ashley Walters and 'Lady' from Olive Nwosu, a Sundance award-winner. These screenings are a chance to discover a powerful new voice in cinema before anyone else and see the kinds of bold, innovative stories that are shaping the industry's future.
Explore a Curated Thematic Strand
To help navigate the 251 works on offer, the LFF organizes its program into simple thematic strands like 'Love', 'Thrill', 'Laugh', and 'Cult'. You can build a fascinating day by picking a theme and seeing a few films within it. For example, the 'Create' strand features films about art and artists, like 'Cameron Winter at Carnegie Hall', while the 'Cult' strand promises edgy and unconventional cinema. It’s a great way to discover hidden gems you might otherwise miss.
Get a Sneak Peek at Works-in-Progress
For those interested in the business of film, the Industry Forum offers a unique look behind the curtain. A key event is the Works-in-Progress Showcase, where UK and Irish filmmakers present exclusive clips from upcoming projects to an audience of producers, buyers, and distributors. While industry-focused, it highlights the festival's role in nurturing talent and provides a fascinating look at how films get from concept to screen.
Engage with Free Talks and Events
A day at the festival doesn't have to break the bank. The 'LFF for Free' program offers a range of free events, including panel discussions, short film screenings, and DJ nights inspired by the festival's films. This year also includes a film locations quiz and a weekend dedicated to celebrating writing about film. These events are a fantastic way to soak up the festival atmosphere and engage with film culture without needing a ticket.
Celebrate Black Cinema's Leading Voices
This year’s festival places a significant spotlight on Black creative excellence, with a landmark lineup of Screen Talks. Spend a day inspired by in-depth conversations with influential artists like filmmaker Ava DuVernay ('Selma'), two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali, Tony-winning actress Cynthia Erivo, and rising British star Naomi Ackie. These events celebrate the careers and creative processes of artists who are reshaping the cinematic landscape.
