Screenings and events with access provision

Find out what types of access screenings and events we offer.

Descriptive subtitles (open captions)

These films have captions that describe dialogue and non-spoken audio. We screen this format for both English and non-English language films when we can.

Find all films with descriptive subtitles

Events and screenings with British Sign Language (BSL)

Some of our events and screenings with a Q&A or introduction have BSL interpreters. We choose seats to make sure you have a good view of the BSL interpreter.

To book a BSL event or screening, call us on 020 7960 2102 or email [email protected] (with the subject line ‘ACCESS’) before your screening.

Even if tickets are ‘sold out’ for general sale, we keep access tickets aside and these are always available on a first come, first served basis.

Closed captions (CC) smart glasses

Screenings with subtitles of dialogue and non-dialogue audio that you’ll see through WatchWord smart glasses collected from staff at the auditorium doors.

Find all films with closed captions

Relaxed screenings

We offer relaxed screenings for neurodiverse audiences, those with sensory sensitivities, and anyone who may benefit from:

  • dimmed lighting throughout the film
  • quieter volume
  • unallocated seating for freedom of movement

We screen new releases and re-releases once under relaxed conditions, at standard ticket price.

Monthly relaxed events

We also host a monthly relaxed event, with an introduction and post-screening discussion, inviting you to explore representations and reflections of neurodiversity in cinema.

These events take place in NFT3, with a dedicated quiet space available throughout. There is stepped access to this area through the rear doors of the screen, and you can leave and return at any time.

Tickets for these monthly events are £4.

Find all relaxed screenings

Audio description (AD)

An audio description is a pre-recorded narration track that describes visual elements of the film. This is played through an audio headset that you can collect from the box office before the film starts.

Please make sure you return your headset to the box office after your film.

Find all audio described films

English subtitles for non-English language films

We screen many non-English language films and always show these with English subtitles for dialogue. These screenings do not have captions for spoken audio.

Find all English-subtitled films

Explore our screens

The screen doors usually open around 20 minutes before the film starts.

Films start at the advertised time – we might show a few age-appropriate adverts and trailers for about 5 minutes before this.

If you need help finding, or getting to, your screen – our staff are always happy to help.

Induction loops are available in all screens

An induction loop is available in all our screens. We also have induction loops at the box office, the BFI shop and the library.

Screen NFT1

Best entrance: BFI Riverfront entrance

Our largest screen and stage, with 450 seats. The seats are at least:

  • 550mm seat width
  • 550mm seat depth
  • 410mm legroom

NFT1 has four wheelchair spaces – two at the back and two at the front of the cinema. There is step-free access to these wheelchair spaces (rows N and A). All other rows are stepped.

Screen NFT2

Best entrance: BFI Riverfront entrance

NFT2 has 125 seats. The seats are at least:

  • 550mm seat width
  • 550mm seat depth
  • 520mm legroom

There are two wheelchair spaces at the front of the cinema. There‘s step-free access to all rows, except rows M and N at the rear of the cinema.

Screen NFT3

Best entrance: Main BFI entrance on Theatre Avenue

NFT3 has 108 seats. The seats are at least:

  • 585mm seat width
  • 590mm seat depth
  • 540mm legroom

NFT3 has one wheelchair space in row A at the front of the cinema, with step-free access. All other rows are stepped.

Screen NFT4

Best entrance: Main BFI entrance on Theatre Avenue

NFT4 is a smaller screening room with 38 seats.

NFT4 has one wheelchair space at the front of the cinema. There’s only step-free access to rows A and B.

We’re always here to help

If you’d like support during your film or event, find a team member or head to the box office, and we’ll do our best to help you.