Introduction to the BFI Film Festival
The British Film Institute’s flagship event, the BFI London Film Festival (often called “LFF”), returns in 2025 with its 69th edition. This year promises a diverse programme of films from around the world, gala events, and opportunities for audiences and industry professionals to connect.
The term bfi film festival broadly refers to this annual celebration of cinema in the UK. When we talk about “BFI” here, we mean the British Film Institute and its role in organising the bfi london film festival and related screenings.
Today 16 September 2025
Today marks the general ticket sale for the 69th BFI London Film Festival, opening at 10am UK time via the official BFI ticket site. Pre-sales had already been available for BFI Members. Extra tickets for selected screenings will be released on 2 October.
In other updates: additional titles recently added to the festival programme include Paolo Sorrentino’s La grazia, Claire Denis’ The Fence, Samuel Abrahams’ Lady, and Gastón Solnicki’s The Souffleur. These improve the lineup’s range, giving audiences more to explore in international cinema.
Key Details: Dates, Numbers, and Structure
When & Where
The LFF 2025 runs from 8 to 19 October. Venues span London and selected locations across the UK. The Festival centrepiece is BFI Southbank, but screenings also happen at places like ICA, Curzon cinemas, Prince Charles Cinema and others.
Scale & Themes
This edition features around 247 films from 79 countries. It’s a large programme, including headline galas, themed strands like “Dare”, “Laugh”, “Thrill”, “Cult” and more. Some films will be UK premieres; others world premieres.
How To Get Tickets & Attend
Booking Process
- BFI Members get early access to many screenings.
- General public ticket sales begin 16 September, at 10am.
- Extra tickets are released 2 October for certain screenings and events.
- During the festival, standby queues are available for some screenings.
- Discounted tickets exist for young people (25 & under) and other concession categories.
Tips for Attendees
If you’re planning your schedule, consider:
- Prioritising films with fewer screenings early, since popular films sell out fast.
- Using the digital brochure to plan in advance.
- Seeing which gala events or premieres might have Q&A sessions those can enrich the experience.
- Checking venue capacities Southbank is large; smaller cinemas fill up sooner.
Highlights & Must-See Films
The festival has a number of headline films and stellar premieres that are generating buzz. Below are selections that represent different strands.
- Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery opens the festival. It’s a high-profile start.
- 100 Nights of Hero will close the festival, a fantasy from a rising director.
- La grazia by Paolo Sorrentino, UK premiere.
- The Fence by Claire Denis; and Lady by Samuel Abrahams.
- The Souffleur by Gastón Solnicki.
- Under-the-radar titles like Sentimental Value, The Testament of Ann Lee, Sirât, plus documentaries and thrillers with strong critical expectations.
Why the London Film Festival Matters
The LFF is more than just a screening schedule. It’s a showcase of what cinema can do. It gives festival-goers a chance to see films before they reach wider release, often with filmmakers or actors present. It supports UK and international filmmakers by giving their work exposure to critics, distributors, and new audiences. It plays a role in influencing year-end awards conversations.
FAQ
What is the difference between BFI and BFI London Film Festival?
“BFI” is the organisation that supports, promotes and preserves UK film culture. The BFI London Film Festival is its major annual film festival (often abbreviated “LFF” or “BFF”). When people say “bfi film festival”, they usually mean LFF.
When are ticket sales and what are key dates for LFF 2025?
Ticket sales open to general public 16 September 2025 at 10am UK time. Extra tickets for certain screenings are released on 2 October. Festival dates are 8-19 October.
How many films will be screened, and what sort of genres or themes are included?
Roughly 247 films from 79 countries. Themes include gala-features, genre strands such as “Thrill”, “Laugh”, “Dare”, “Cult”, plus documentaries, premieres and smaller indie-works. There is strong representation of female and non-binary directors.
Conclusion
The 2025 BFI London Film Festival is shaping up to be one of the richest yet. From major gala events and highly anticipated openings to off-scale films waiting in the wings, there’s something for every cinema lover. If you’re considering attending, buy tickets early, plan your schedule, and keep an eye on new additions or surprise releases. Learn more about the full programme and tickets on the official LFF site.
