From left, David Dawson, Emma Corrin, and Harry Styles, in My Policeman, which will feature at the festival
(Picture: Parisa Taghizadeh/Prime Video)The BFI London Film Festival returns this month, bringing some of the most anticipated films and star-studded action to screens across the capital and the UK.
It is Britain’s biggest and most prestigious film festival, and this year it will feature 12 days of A-list red-carpet galas, screenings, and other exciting events open to the public.
When is the BFI London Film Festival?
This year’s London Film Festival runs from Wednesday, October 5 to Sunday, October 16.
It will take place on London’s Southbank at the Royal Festival Hall and BFI Southbank, with screenings also taking place in 10 venues across London and the UK.
What films will be shown?
With 160 feature films on show throughout the festival, viewers this year will be spoilt for choice.
Unmissable showings include White Noise, Noah Baumbach’s take on Don DeLilos “unfilmable” novel She Said, about two New York Times reporters who broke the story of Harvey Weinstein’s abuse and misconduct, and Till, Chinonye Chukwu’s retelling of the story of Emmett Till.
Spared this time from the controversy of his second acting debut in Don’t Worry Darling, Harry Styles will also be hitting screens in My Policeman, a 1950s British drama being compared to Call Me By Your Name, which is bound to be a fan favourite.
Closing the festival is the premiere of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery – a sequel to the thrilling 2019 Daniel Craig blockbuster featuring a stellar cast, including Kathryn Hahn, Ethan Hawke, Janelle Monae, and Leslie Odom Jr.
Many of these titles will already have premiered in Venice, Telluride, or Toronto, but the LFF focuses on a breadth of programming, with 10 venues nationwide offering simultaneous screenings to widen the reach, as well as a virtual festival on BFI Player.
The line-up has garnered praise for its diversity, both in front of and behind the camera. Around 41 per cent of the programme is from female and non-binary directors and creators, with 34 per cent made by ethnically diverse directors or creators.
You can find the full programme here, and check out the Evening Standard’s top picks.
How to get tickets
Unlike Cannes, the LFF is open to the public. The festival aims to be as accessible as possible – you don’t have to work in the film industry or be a member of the press to get involved. Under-25s can even purchase £5 tickets.
Tickets are on sale now. Visit the website for more details.
