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Previews and events
Join us for previews, talks and special screenings.
May
East Palace, West Palace + intro by Chris Berry, Professor of Film Studies, King’s College London
A pioneering depiction of homosexuality, cruising and desire in Beijing.
Malila: The Farewell Flower + Q&A with director Anucha Boonyawatana
Two lovers reunite in this meditative reflection on mortality.
Queer East Closing Night: Metamorphosis + Q&A with director JE Tiglao
A trailblazing intersex drama about a teenager’s journey of discovery.
UK Premiere: The Coup d´État Factory + discussion with chair, Baroness Christine Blower and special guests (TBA)
A fascinating documentary about media manipulation of democracy in Brazil and beyond.
Relaxed screening: Frequencies (AKA OXV: The Manual) + intro and discussion
A pulsating puzzle-box mystery set in a parallel world, from British director Darren Paul Fisher.
Get Carter + intro by Douglas Weir, BFI Technical Delivery Manager
In this moody classic, Michael Caine stars as a gangster investigating the death of his brother.
Climax + extended intro by season programmer Anna Bogutskaya
Step Up meets The Devils in Gaspar Noé’s unhinged dance horror.
June
Judy Garland: 20th Century Icon
Get the most out of our Judy Garland season by joining us for this illustrated talk.
Fadia’s Tree + Q&A with director Sarah Beddington and special guest (TBA)
This striking documentary follows a Palestinian refugee in Lebanon and her ambition to reconnect with her ancestral homeland.
BFI Members’ Book Club
Come and celebrate the Judy Garland season in the BFI Reuben Library.
King of the Damned + intro by film historian Jonathan Rigby
Conrad Veidt plays a man who leads a revolt at a hellish prison camp.
Style, Anti-style and Influence: Robert Bresson Re-assessed
Find out more about Bresson in this richly illustrated season introduction.
Get Carter + introduction by Jah Wobble
In this moody classic, Michael Caine stars as a gangster investigating the death of his brother.
Behind the scenes at the BFI: Meet the CEO
Members get a special glimpse into the workings of the BFI, this time by hearing from CEO Ben Roberts.
Preview: All My Friends Hate Me + Q&A with Tom Palmer and Tom Stourton
A very funny encapsulation of millennial anxiety from new British talent.
Meet Me in St. Louis + intro by BFI London Film Festival and Flare Programmer, Grace Barber-Plentie
Garland mesmerises and the songs delight in this beautiful Technicolor musical.
Mark Kermode Live in 3D at the BFI
One of the UK’s favourite film critics discusses upcoming releases, old treasures and guilty pleasures.
Judy’s Jukebox Singalong
With special guests to be announced, this joyous event promises to be a lot of fun.
A Man Escaped + intro by independent filmmaker and critic Alex Barrett
Bresson’s riveting tale of a Gestapo prisoner determined to regain his freedom, based on real events.
Restoration preview: Dr. Who and the Daleks + Q&A
Our heroes must find an antidote to radiation poisoning, and face the dreaded Daleks!
Restoration preview: Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D.
The Doctor’s greatest foes arrive on Earth to brainwash and dominate the human race.
Seniors’ free archive matinee: Le Havre + discussion
A charming comedy-drama set in the port city community of Le Havre.
Experimenta presents: Premiere: Wayfinder + Q&A with director Larry Achiampong
Follow the Wanderer on a profound reckoning with the landscape and culture of contemporary England.
The Story of Lovers Rock + intro by author Kevin Le Gendre
A documentary looking at the social and musical roots of the music genre, Lovers Rock.
Preview: Moon, 66 Questions + Q&A with writer-director Jacqueline Lentzou
A poetic and original study of a father-daughter relationship.
Looking for Love + discussion
A documentary exploring love, relationships and intimacy across multiple generations in the Black community.
LIFF Opening Night Gala: World Premiere: Dobaaraa + Q&A with Anurag Kashyap and guests
Anurag Kashyap’s surreal Sliding Doors-style story promises a fine start to the festival.
British Gala: Little English + Q&A with director Pravesh Kumar, cast and crew
A raucous and audacious comedy following the lives of a dysfunctional British Punjabi family.
Terror + intro by David McGillivray and Tricia Walsh
An ancient curse leads to the gory deaths of a group of partygoers.
Gandhi + intro
LIFF celebrates the 40th anniversary of Richard Attenborough’s iconic biopic of the Mahatma.
African Odysseys present: Menelik Shabazz: For the People
A jam-packed, commemorative day of illustrated talks and film screenings.
Last Film Show + Q&A with director Pan Nalin
An audience favourite at Tribeca, Pan Nalin’s delightful and moving film celebrates the magic of movies.
Burning an Illusion + intro by actor Cassie McFarlane
Shabazz’s groundbreaking drama debut follows a young woman on a journey to enlightenment.
I Could Go On Singing + intro by Dirk Bogarde’s nephew, Ulric van den Bogarde
In her swansong Garland plays a character not a million miles from her real life, to devastating effect.
Preview: The Afterlight + Q&A with director Charlie Shackleton
A rare opportunity to see the experimental, archival collage film that captures the ephemeral nature of cinema.
Member Picks: Ball of Fire
Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck shine in this fabulous Howard Hawks comedy.
Once Upon a Time in Calcutta + Q&A with director Aditya Vikram Sengupta
Inspired by true events, this film follows a bereaved mother’s search for a new identity in a rapidly changing city.
July
Too Desi Too Queer + Q&A
The ever-popular programme returns to the BFI with a selection of LGBTQIA+ shorts from South Asia.
In conversation with Aparna Sen + UK Premiere: The Rapist
A very rare chance to hear from one of India’s greatest woman directors, and experience a preview of her latest film.
LIFF Closing Gala: Superfan: The Nav Bhatia Story + Q&A with Nav Bhatia and producer Rinku Ghei
The incredible life of the Toronto Raptors’ biggest fan is the focus of this inspirational documentary.
BFI Member exclusives
BFI Members enjoy special events, previews and screenings at BFI Southbank all year round.
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