Access at the festival

We want everyone to enjoy the BFI London Film Festival, and for the experiences to be as welcoming, inclusive and accessible as possible.

Accessible screenings and events

The festival includes screenings with descriptive subtitles (DS), audio description (AD), Relaxed screenings (neurodivergent audiences), and BSL interpreted and live captioned introductions, Q&As and events.

Accessibility options, including descriptive subtitles and BSL interpreted and live captioned introductions and Q&As, may be added to screenings at a later stage. If they're added after tickets go on sale, we'll tell existing ticket holders.


Booking access tickets

Please visit in person or contact our dedicated Box Office to book.

Telephone: 020 7960 2102 (lines open 10:00am to 8:30pm daily)
Email: [email protected] and quote ACCESS

We welcome calls using text relay services.

A limited number of tickets have been set aside for customers with specific seating requirements, including wheelchair spaces, aisle seats for guests with restricted mobility, and seats with a clear view of the stage for lip reading or of the interpreter for BSL-interpreted screenings and events.

Access tickets for accessible screenings are kept aside even if general tickets for a screening are sold out.

Access tickets are available on a first come, first served basis and are subject to BFI Membership priority booking periods.

Companion tickets

We provide free companion tickets for guests who require support to attend.

We accept a range of access card schemes as proof of eligibility for companion tickets including CEA Card, Access Card, National Disability Card and National Carers Card.

To book a companion ticket please call 020 7960 2102 (lines open 10:00am to 8:30pm daily) or email [email protected] and quote ACCESS.

Wheelchair and step-free access

All venues other than the Prince Charles Cinema have wheelchair and step-free access. For information about access facilities, visit the LFF venues page or contact the Box Office.

Download our digital brochure

Our digital brochure PDF and its plain text version are compatible with most screen readers. Please contact the Box Office for a large-print version.

Content advice

We acknowledge that some films and works contain distressing themes, scenes, language and references that may be triggering to some audience members. To help you decide if a particular screening or event is for you, please see individual programme pages for content and trigger warnings (including use of flashing imagery) as well as age recommendations and certificates, or visit our content advice page.

LFF Expanded

Our Expanded programme spans 3 different venues across many platforms of storytelling including gaming, VR & live experiences.

To help you decide if a particular event is for you, please contact our Accessibility Coordinator, Sharon Calcutt Cheadle, at [email protected] or ask one of our friendly XR hosts at the festival for assistance.

Red carpet accessible viewing area

The Accessible Viewing Area is a dedicated space to view the red carpet events at the BFI London Film Festival, designed for deaf, disabled or neurodivergent guests who may find the traditional red carpet difficult or inaccessible to navigate due to crowding, noise, or other accessibility needs.

In line with feedback and out of consideration for the safety and comfort of everyone we're changing the way we offer access to the Red Carpet this year.

Places are limited so it will be on a first come first served basis in line with members ticket priority booking.

Here are the dates you’ll be able to apply from:

  • 9 September, 10:00 – Members who hold tickets can apply
  • 16 September, 10:00 – General ticket holders can apply
  • 18 September, 10:00 – Non-ticket holders can apply

If you are successful, we will confirm by email. We will also operate a waiting list for all sessions.

Please complete this form from 9 September to request a place in the Accessible Viewing Area.

We’re here to help

During the festival, if you are feeling uncomfortable, overwhelmed or just in need of a quiet moment, please ask one of the Front of House staff and they’ll be happy to help you.

We recognise and support the Sunflower lanyard as a discreet sign of a hidden disability. Our staff are here to offer assistance and support whenever needed.

If you need any assistance or have any questions or feedback about Access at the BFI London Film Festival, please contact our Accessibility Coordinator, Sharon Calcutt Cheadle, at [email protected].