The 70th BFI London Film Festival runs from October 7 to October 18, bringing 251 films, shorts, series, and immersive works from 88 countries to cinemas across the UK, hollywoodreporter.com reported.
Opening Night and Closing Night Selections in London
The festival launches on October 7 with the opening night gala screening of Elsinore, starring Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman, at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, according to hollywoodreporter.com. Jesse Eisenberg’s The Debut concludes the 12-day festival on October 18. Both selections anchor a program that artistic director Kristy Matheson designed to examine community, compassion, and shared human experiences across different genres and formats.
Brad Bird and Travis Knight premiere animated films
Animated cinema occupies a prominent position in the 2026 lineup, highlighted by high-profile world premieres including Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn and Travis Knight’s Wildwood, as reported by hollywoodreporter.com.
International directors join official competition program
The lineup features new work from renowned international directors alongside emerging voices:
- Look Back by Hirokazu Kore-eda
- Imperium by Sergei Loznitsa
- The Idiot(s) by Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert
- Act 3 by Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor
- Woman Unknown by May el-Toukhy
- Glaxo by Benjamín Naishtat
- A new feature directed by Carol Morley
Sofia Coppola discusses career at Screen Talks
Sofia Coppola headlines the LFF Screen Talks program at the Royal Festival Hall, where she will discuss her career alongside her upcoming film Making Marie Antoinette, an examination of creative processes and female artistry directed by her mother, hollywoodreporter.com reported.
Festival tour brings films to regional UK venues
Beyond London venues like BFI Southbank, the BFI London Film Festival on tour brings selected feature films and a special Screen Talk to 10 partner venues in major cities across UK nations and regions, bfi.org.uk reported. The full program includes 109 works made by female filmmakers, representing 43 percent of the total selection.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 70th BFI London Film Festival
When does the 70th BFI London Film Festival take place?
The festival runs for 12 days, beginning on October 7 and closing on October 18, bfi.org.uk reported.
How many films are screening at the festival?
The 2026 lineup features 251 features, shorts, series, and immersive works originating from 88 countries, bfi.org.uk reported.
Where are the main festival screenings held?
Flagship screenings take place at BFI Southbank and the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, alongside participating cinemas across central London and 10 partner venues nationwide, bfi.org.uk reported.
What film opens the festival?
The festival opens with Elsinore, starring Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman, at the Royal Festival Hall, hollywoodreporter.com reported.
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