Regular programme

African Odysseys

Inspirational films by and about the people of Africa, from archive classics to new cinema and docs. Programmed by David Somerset.

  Download a pdf of the July and August African Odysseys screenings and events

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  African Odysseys: Ultraviolence + Q&A with director Ken Fero and contributor Janet Alder

  Ken Fero’s follow up to his groundbreaking film Injustice sadly feels as timely as ever.

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  African Odysseys Present: European Premiere: The Milkmaid + Q&A with writer-director Desmond Ovbiagele and producer Oluseun Sowemimo

  A striking, sensitive drama about two young Nigerian abductees who are caught in a life and death struggle for survival.

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  Black Lens Festival Opening Night: UK Premiere: How to Stop a Recurring Dream + Q&A with director Ed Morris and actor Ruby Barker

  A high-octane thriller in which a young woman kidnaps her younger sister and goes on the run.

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  Mandabi

  This landmark film from Ousmane Sembène takes a satirical swipe at poverty, bureaucracy and colonialism.

BFI Flare

LGBTQ+ films and events.

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  Happy Together

  Tony Leung and Leslie Cheung have smouldering chemistry as a couple falling out of love.

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  All About My Mother

  Pedro Almodóvar’s stylish and touching portrait of a woman’s attempts to come to terms with grief.

Experimenta

Artist film and alternative moving-image culture; works that break with convention. Programmed by William Fowler.

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  Born in Flames + discussion

  The revolution has come but old patriarchal prejudices remain – it’s time to take action with this sci-fi lesbian punk film.

Projecting the Archive

A rare chance to see rediscovered British features from the BFI National Archive. Programmed by Josephine Botting. In honour of Dr Clifford Shaw.

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  Trottie True (aka The Gay Lady) + intro by BFI Curator Josephine Botting

  A Gaiety girl turns duchess in this Technicolor homage to the music hall.

Seniors

Free and paid matinees, and talks for the over-60s. Programmed by David Somerset.

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  Seniors’ paid matinee: Nashville

  Altman’s magnum opus set in the country music capital is a witty and exhilarating portrait of modern America.

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  Seniors’ free archive matinee: Cabin in the Sky + intro by writer Marcus Powell

  A joyous gospel reworking of Faust and The Wizard of Oz with an all-star cast.

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  Seniors’ matinee: Mandabi + intro by film curator, programmer and BFI London Film Festival Programme Advisor, Keith Shiri

  This landmark film from Ousmane Sembène takes a satirical swipe at poverty, bureaucracy and colonialism.

Silent Cinema

Enjoy the best international restorations, often with a live musical accompaniment. Programmed by Bryony Dixon.

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  Nell Gwyn + intro by BFI Curator Bryony Dixon

  A delicious regal romp starring the other Gish sister, Dorothy.

Terror Vision

The darker side of cinema; films that will horrify and astound. Programmed by Michael Blyth.

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  Children Shouldn’t Play With Dead Things

  A pseudo-satanic ritual on an abandoned island starts out as fun and games but…

Woman with a Movie Camera

We celebrate women’s contribution to cinema and spotlight female stories.

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  Woman with a Movie Camera Summit powered by Jaguar

  Reframing the conversation around women and film.

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  Censor + Q&A with director Prano Bailey-Bond

  A frightening but fun homage to ‘video nasties’ and classic horror.

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  Woman With a Movie Camera Presents: the World Restoration Premiere of Riddance + pre-recorded extended intro by Márta Mészáros

  A thoughtful, observational drama about a young woman’s fight to retain her integrity despite falling in love.

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  Woman With a Movie Camera Preview: Girlfriends

  A struggling photographer feels cast adrift after her roommate moves out to get married.