The 70th BFI London Film Festival runs 7 to 18 October 2026 with 251 titles from 88 countries and 33 world premieres. It opens with Simon Stone's Elsinore and closes with Jesse Eisenberg's The Debut.
One of the highlights of the British film calendar has taken shape, with the full programme now revealed for the 70th edition of the BFI London Film Festival. The milestone anniversary promises a packed and wide-ranging celebration of cinema.
In this article, we look at the festival's dates, its scale, the films opening and closing the event, and where audiences can take part. It is a programme that spans features, shorts, series and more immersive forms of storytelling.
Dates and scale
According to the BFI, the 70th London Film Festival will run from 7 to 18 October 2026. Across those twelve days, the programme brings together 251 titles, including features, shorts, series and immersive works, drawn from 88 countries.
The line-up also reflects a strong emphasis on breadth and representation. The BFI notes that the festival includes 33 world premieres and that 109 of the works, some 43 percent of the programme, were made by female filmmakers.
Opening and closing galas
The festival opens in style with a notable gala. According to the BFI, the opening film is Elsinore, directed by Simon Stone, described as a powerful and inspiring true story centred on the actor Ian Charleson.
The event will draw to a close on a lighter note. The BFI states that the closing film is The Debut by Jesse Eisenberg, characterised as a raucously funny love letter to community theatre, rounding off the twelve days.
Where it takes place
The festival is firmly rooted in London but reaches well beyond it. According to the BFI, screenings take place at BFI Southbank and at the Royal Festival Hall for the galas, alongside ten partner venues located across the United Kingdom.
This spread of venues is designed to widen access to the programme. By bringing selected titles to cities beyond the capital, the festival allows audiences around the country to share in the experience during the same period.
Premieres and highlights
World premieres are a central part of the appeal. The BFI reports that the 33 world premieres are made up of nine features, two series, two mid-length works, nineteen shorts and one immersive piece, underlining the variety on offer.
Series programming also features prominently this year. Among the titles highlighted by the BFI are The Trip to the Northern Lights, with Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan, as well as Marvel Television's VisionQuest, broadening the festival's scope.
Beyond the big screen
The festival is not limited to traditional films. According to the BFI, an expanded strand known as LFF Expanded returns with nine immersive and interactive projects, reflecting the growing role of new formats in storytelling.
These works point to how film festivals are evolving. Alongside conventional screenings, immersive and interactive pieces invite audiences to engage with stories in different ways, expanding what a festival programme can include.
How to attend
For those hoping to attend, timing matters. The BFI confirms that general ticket sales begin on 17 September 2026, with BFI Members able to book earlier, ahead of the festival opening in October.
In short, the 70th BFI London Film Festival arrives with an ambitious and varied programme. From star-led galas to immersive projects and premieres, the anniversary edition offers plenty for film lovers across the country.
Nice deep look at cinema.
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