How does the BFI London Film Festival approach programming compared to other festivals?

According to festival director Kristy Matheson, the BFI London Film Festival prioritizes the audience experience over the pursuit of exclusive world premieres, as Matheson believes audiences are more interested in the quality of the films than their premiere status.

What is the "NowIsWhenWeAre (the stars)" installation at the 2025 BFI London Film Festival?

The festival will feature a large-scale immersive installation called "NowIsWhenWeAre (the stars)," created by artist Andrew Schneider, which will allow visitors to experience an immersive cosmic environment with over 4,000 reactive LED lights and a soundscape of over 450 different audio channels.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / BFI London Film Festival Unveils Eclectic 2025 Lineup, Prioritizes Audience Experience

BFI London Film Festival Unveils Eclectic 2025 Lineup, Prioritizes Audience Experience

Q: What are the key highlights of the 2025 BFI London Film Festival lineup?

The 2025 BFI London Film Festival lineup includes acclaimed titles from other major 2025 festivals, such as Jim Jarmusch's Venice-winning "Father Mother Sister Brother" and Jafar Panahi's Cannes-winning "It Was Just an Accident," as well as 8 world premieres, including the British boxing drama "Giant."

7 Oct

•

Summary

BFI London Film Festival, the UK's biggest film event, kicks off on October 8, 2025
Lineup includes acclaimed titles from 2025's major festivals, plus 8 world premieres
Festival director Kristy Matheson emphasizes audience focus over world premiere chasing

BFI London Film Festival Unveils Eclectic 2025 Lineup, Prioritizes Audience Experience

The 69th edition of the BFI London Film Festival, the largest film event in the UK, is scheduled to kick off on October 8, 2025. The festival will open with the European premiere of Rian Johnson's "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," and the lineup will feature around 250 films, many of which have already garnered acclaim at other major festivals throughout 2025.

Among the highly anticipated titles are Jim Jarmusch's Venice-winning "Father Mother Sister Brother" and Jafar Panahi's Cannes-winning "It Was Just an Accident." The festival will also showcase several other notable films, including "Frankenstein," "After the Hunt," "Bugonia," "Die My Love," "Hamnet," "The Testament of Ann Lee," "Sentimental Value," and "Jay Kelly." Many of these key titles are expected to receive a significant push from studios and streamers, as they aim to impress the growing number of AMPAS, BAFTA, and Golden Globe voters in the British capital ahead of the awards season.