The 70th BFI London Film Festival (LFF) today unveils an incredible line-up of events for the 2026 edition of LFF for Free.
This year’s programme is headlined by a special collection of short films from the Displacement Film Fund (DFF), presented in person by founder Cate Blanchett and a selection of filmmakers with work in the programme. Guests with films in this year’s LFF, including filmmaker Mark Cousins and actor and activist Adam Pearson, will take part in illuminating talks, while other Festival filmmakers, including Carol Morley, will be the special guests at a live edition of the Girls on Film Podcast. As another adaptation of a classic Jane Austen novel is released in UK cinemas, LFF for Free also welcomes the man who adapted arguably the best-loved screen version of all of Austen’s work, the Award-winning screenwriter, playwright and novelist Andrew Davies, who will discuss his wide-ranging career, from Pride and Prejudice and House of Cards to Bleak House and Bridget Jones.
Audiences that explore the LFF for Free programme will enjoy a diverse range of fun, playful and thought-provoking free events at BFI Southbank, including illustrated talks, panel discussions, DJ nights and family events, with every event open to all and completely free of charge.
FULL PROGRAMME INFORMATION FOR THE LFF FOR FREE PROGRAMME:
The BFI London Film Festival is delighted to present a special collection of short films from the Displacement Film Fund (DFF) as the headline moment of this year’s LFF For Free programme. Founded and led by Cate Blanchett and managed by International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)’s Hubert Bals Fund, the DFF champions and supports displaced filmmakers, as well as filmmakers with a proven track record of authentic storytelling centred on the experiences of displaced people.
Timely, surprising and intimate, the shorts in this critically acclaimed collection presented by Cate Blanchett are directed by internationally renowned filmmakers – Maryna Er Gorbach, Mo Harawe, Hasan Kattan, Mohammad Rasoulof and Shahrbanoo Sadat. In Rotation, Maryna Er Gorbach follows a young Ukrainian woman undergoing therapeutic hypnosis as she adapts to life after moving from civilian life to military service, while Shahrbanoo Sadat’s Super Afghan Gym offers an intimate portrait of housewives gathering in a Kabul gym to exercise and talk about their lives and body norms. Allies in Exile, by Hasan Kattan and Fadi Al Halabi, explores the 14-year friendship between two Syrian journalists navigating immigration, anti-refugee hostility and bureaucracy. In Whispers of a Burning Scent, Mo Harawe observes a musician awaiting a decisive court hearing while preparing to perform at a wedding, caught between devotion, dignity and loss. Mohammad Rasoulof’s Sense of Water follows an Iranian writer in exile as he confronts a foreign language and attempts to rediscover the words and emotions needed to write again.
Beyond the DFF collection, this year’s free talks, workshops and discussions explore a fascinating range of subjects, from the power of storytelling and changing representations on screen to disability, identity, gaming, internet culture, documentary filmmaking and the future of cinema. Award-winning screenwriter, playwright and novelist Andrew Davies, the celebrated writer behind Pride and Prejudice, House of Cards, Bleak House and Bridget Jones, joins us for a conversation about his memoir and remarkable career. Actor, broadcaster and leading disability advocate Adam Pearson joins us to share his experiences and influential advocacy work for more inclusive storytelling and authentic representation in Zero Intention of Living Quietly. Beyond the Screen: How Stories Create Change brings together perspectives from Black women across the filmmaking ecosystem to explore how film can document experience, express identity and create change, while Campaigns for Justice: From the Bradford 12 to Today reflects on community activism and the fight against racism and injustice. Editing the Auteur uncovers the pioneering women editors who have shaped some of cinema’s most celebrated films, while From Console to Cinema explores the increasingly influential relationship between gaming and film and television.
The programme continues with conversations that examine the ways screen culture shapes how we understand ourselves and the world around us. Acclaimed filmmaker and writer Mark Cousions joins us to discuss The Story of Documentary Film, looking back at a century of documentary filmmaking and its enduring power to challenge, inspire and transform how we see the world. Award-winning podcast hosted by critics Anna Smith Girls On Film Podcast – Live at LFF, returns to the festival with a candid conversation featuring LFF filmmakers, while How to Start a Podcast – Passion Podcasting and Fan Shows offers practical insight into turning a passion for film and television into a podcast. In Praise of Stillness considers the beauty and language of slow cinema, while Into the Web looks at how internet culture is transforming filmmaking and creating new opportunities for emerging and marginalised voices. Interactive workshop Made of Many: Reclaiming Identity Through Storytelling invites participants to explore identity, belonging and culture through visual storytelling. Meanwhile, Dr Darren Gray joins us to discuss his book, Horror and Disability: Representations of Disability in Twenty-First-Century Film and Television examining how contemporary horror is reshaping disability representation in Monstrous? Rethinking Disability in Horror
Questions of identity, representation and the forces shaping contemporary screen culture are further explored across the programme. No Way Out? Institutions and Black British Screen Stories considers how Black British film and television examine identity, belonging and the institutions shaping contemporary Britain, while Queens of the Night: Female Vampires on Screen traces the evolution of the female vampire as a figure of desire, power and transgression. Reality Check: True Crime and our Obsession with Real Stories looks at how real crime cases become gripping narratives and why audiences remain fascinated, while The Cinema That Changed Everything brings filmmakers together to discuss landmark films and artistic breakthroughs that transformed the medium. The Laughter of the Unheard: How Moving Image Shapes Collective Joy explores how screen culture captures and preserves moments of collective joy. Inspired by I Love Boosters, whether fashion can ever truly function as a form of resistance is explored in The Politics of Looking Good, while The Shape of Water: XR, Immersive Art and Environmental Storytelling considers how immersive technologies can deepen our connection to water and climate change. Versions of Me explores autism, masking and the shifting nature of identity through autistic voices and audience reflection, while We Are Family looks at the intimacy, ethics and emotional complexities of making documentaries about loved ones. What Makes a Man a Man? examines how film, television, social media and online culture shape, challenge and complicate contemporary ideas of masculinity.
Alongside these conversations, Film in Print returns to LFF For Free for its third year at the BFI Reuben Library, celebrating the ever-thriving world of writing about film, from independent magazines, zines and newsletters to new authors whose books are filling shelves around the country. Across a weekend of conversations and discussions, the programme explores the creative possibilities of independent publishing in Declare Independence: Film Publishing Beyond the Mainstream, the radical potential of personal taste with Embracing (Bad) Taste with Polyester Zine, and the pioneering career of writer, speaker and scholar Helen McCarthy in A Life in Manga and Anime to mark the release of her new book THE MANGA BIBLE. TV critic and broadcaster Scott Bryan looks back at the history and personal impact of queer representation on television in Out Now: A Queer Journey Through Modern Television, while members of the London Film Critics’ Circle share the writing that inspired their careers in The Criticism That Made Me. Scholar and critic Erika Balsom discusses her new collection of essays on 21st Century Film Culture title The Edges of Cinema while horror expert Mike Muncer explores the history and enduring appeal of cinema’s darkest genre in The Evolution of Horror. Finally, Louise Willder offers a witty exploration of the best and worst book-to-film adaptation in The Triumphs and Travesties of Book to Film Adaptation.
LFF For Free heads to the dancefloor with a series of free DJ nights inspired by films in this year’s festival. NYC After Dark steps into the disco, boogie, synth-pop and new wave sounds of 1980s New York, while Ritmos de América Latina celebrates the rhythms of Latin American cinema with samba, baile funk, cumbia, reggaetón and salsa. Inspired by Carol Morley’s autobiographical 7 Miles Out, the DJ Night 7 Miles Out: Journey to The Haçienda takes audiences on a journey through the indie dance, acid house and Balearic sounds of late-80s and early-90s Manchester, while Club Labor: Back to 2016, inspired by Club Kid, revisits the chart-topping hits of Rihanna, Drake, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Fifth Harmony and The Weeknd.
Younger audiences and families can also get involved with two free family events inspired by films screening at this year’s LFF. Build A Bug invites young audiences to create their own extraordinary insect companions using colourful craft materials, inspired by the tiny heroes of A Mighty Adventure. Meanwhile, The Mermaid Parade, inspired by the animated film Julián, invites children to dream up their own mermaid characters and create vibrant mermaid tails through collage, paint and mixed materials.
Rounding out the programme, audiences can test their knowledge of cinema in Behind the Screens: The Film Locations Quiz, celebrating Jane Crowther’s new book Behind the screens: 100 iconic locations that made movie history with a quiz exploring the iconic locations behind some of cinema’s most memorable moments. The Man I Love: Remembering the AIDS Crisis offers a space for remembrance and reflection on the HIV/AIDS epidemic through music, poetry, film clips and conversation, honouring those lost and the communities transformed by the crisis.
LFF FOR FREE EVENT LISTINGS:
As these events are free there are invariably some ‘no shows’ on the day of the event. Therefore, tickets are over-allocated to compensate for this and, occasionally, an event may be over subscribed. Doors will open 15 minutes before the advertised time. Seating is unallocated and tickets don’t guarantee entry: admission is on a first come, first served basis for those with tickets. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Friday 9th October
Displacement Film Fund
BFI Southbank, Screen NFT1 |14:45 – 16:58 | 15+
Founded and led by Cate Blanchett, and managed by IFFR’s Hubert Bals Fund, the Displacement Film Fund champions and funds the work of displaced filmmakers, or filmmakers with a proven track record in creating authentic storytelling on the experiences of displaced people.
The Man I Love: Remembering the AIDS Crisis
BFI Southbank, BFI Reuben Library | 20:00 – 21:00 | 15+
This event gives space for remembrance and reflection on the legacy and lasting impact of the AIDS epidemic.
DJ Night – NYC After Dark
BFI Southbank, BFI Bar | 21:00 – 1:00 | 18+
A DJ night inspired by the 1980s New York of Ira Sachs’ The Man I Love.
Saturday 10th October
Build A Bug
BFI Southbank, Foyer | 10:15 – 11:30
Step into the world of tiny heroes and create your own extraordinary insect companion, in this hands-on craft activity inspired by A Mighty Adventure.
The Criticism That Made Me
BFI Southbank, BFI Reuben Library | 11:00 – 12:00
Members of the London Film Critics’ Circle share the impactful and influential writing that inspired them to pledge their pens to the cause of criticism.
Mark Cousins: The Story of Documentary Film
BFI Southbank, The Blue Room 11:30 – 12:30
Acclaimed filmmaker and writer Mark Cousins joins us for a fascinating exploration of documentary cinema.
How to Start a Podcast – Passion Podcasting and Fan Shows
BFI Southbank, Screen NFT4 | 12:00 – 13:15
Discover how to turn your love of film and TV into a podcast, with the team behind the 90 Minutes or Less Film Fest Podcast.
The Mermaid Parade
BFI Southbank, Foyer | 12:15 – 1:30
This magical crafting adventure is inspired by the captivating film Julián.
Helen McCarthy: A Life in Manga and Anime
BFI Southbank, BFI Reuben Library | 13:00 – 14:00
Writer, speaker and scholar Helen McCarthy joins us for a career conversation, covering her pioneering work exploring the worlds of manga and anime.
The Politics of Looking Good
BFI Southbank, Screen NFT4 | 14:00 – 15:00
Join us for a panel inspired by I Love Boosters, looking at whether fashion can be a form of resistance.
Out Now: A Queer Journey Through Modern Television
BFI Southbank, BFI Reuben Library | 15:00 – 16:00
TV critic and broadcaster Scott Bryan takes a nostalgic trip through the history of queer representation on television.
The Shape of Water: XR, Immersive Art and Environmental Storytelling
BFI Southbank, Screen NFT4 | 16:00 – 17:00
Join us for a panel discussion exploring how immersive technologies can deepen our connection to water, climate change and the stories shaping our planet.
Embracing (Bad) Taste with Polyester Zine
BFI Southbank, BFI Reuben Library | 17:00 – 18:00
Take the taste test with Ione Gamble and the team behind Polyester Zine.
DJ Night – Ritmos de América Latina
BFI Southbank, BFI Bar | 21:00 – 1:00 | 18+
Join us on the dancefloor to celebrate the spirit of Latin American film with a night of music from across the region.
Sunday 11th October
Declare Independence: Film Publishing Beyond the Mainstream
BFI Southbank, BFI Reuben Library | 10:30 – 11:30
Join a panel of editors whose publications offer an alternative angle on film culture through mags, zines and newsletters.
We Are Family
BFI Southbank, Screen NFT4, 12:00 – 13:00 | 15+
This panel discussion explores documentaries that see filmmakers turning their camera on their own families.
Into the Woods: Wildwood Mask Making
BFI Southbank, Foyer | 12:15 – 13:30
Journey into the hidden world of Wildwood by making a magical mask inspired by its mysterious forest and fantastical creatures.
The Edges of Cinema
BFI Southbank, BFI Reuben Library | 13:00 – 14:00
Scholar and critic Erika Balsom joins Film in Print to discuss her new collection of essays on 21st Century Film Culture.
Editing the Auteur
BFI Southbank, Screen NFT4 | 14:00 – 15:00
Who really makes a masterpiece? Discover the women who have helped shape some of cinema’s most celebrated films.
The Triumphs and Travesties of Book to Film Adaptation
BFI Southbank, BFI Reuben Library | 15:00 – 16:00
Join Louise Willder for a witty exploration of the best and worst book-to-film adaptations, from cinematic masterpieces to spectacular misfires.
Reality Check: True Crime and our Obsession with Real Stories
BFI Southbank, Screen NFT4 | 16:00 – 17:00 | 15+
This talk looks at how real crime cases become gripping narratives and why audiences can’t get enough of them.
The Evolution of Horror
BFI Southbank, BFI Reuben Library | 17:00 – 18:00
Horror expert Mike Muncer takes us on a journey from podcast to the printed page, exploring the ever-fertile landscape of the horror genre.
Tuesday 13 October
Girls On Film Podcast – Live at LFF
BFI Southbank, The Blue Room | 14:00 – 15:00
Join us for a live edition of Girls On Film, the award-winning podcast hosted by critic Anna Smith.
Thursday 15 October
Campaigns for Justice: From the Bradford 12 to Today
BFI Southbank, BFI Reuben Library | 19:30 – 20:30
Join us for a conversation that reflects on both past and present-day community activism in the fight against racism and injustice.
Friday 16 October
DJ Night – 7 Miles Out: Journey to The Haçienda
BFI Southbank, BFI Bar | 21:00 – 1:00 | 18+
DJ Terry T-Rex takes us on a dance-floor journey through the indie dance, acid house, Balearic sounds and warehouse classics that shaped a generation.
Saturday 17th October
Beyond the Screen: How Stories Create Change
BFI Southbank, BFI Reuben Library | 11:00 – 12:00
Through the perspectives and experiences of Black women across the filmmaking ecosystem, this conversation explores the role of film and storytelling in our communities, culture and society and the different ways we contribute to change.
A Life in Scripts: In Conversation with Andrew Davies
BFI Southbank, BFI Reuben Library | 13:00 – 14:00
Multi-award-winning screenwriter, playwright and novelist Andrew Davies joins us to discuss his memoir, An Unsuitable Boy: A Life in Scripts.
What Makes a Man a Man?
BFI Southbank, Screen NFT4 | 14:00 – 15:00 | 15+
In this discussion, a panel will explore how screen culture and media shape, challenge and complicate modern ideas of masculinity.
Into the Web: How Internet Culture is Transforming Filmmaking
BFI Southbank, BFI Reuben Library | 15:00 – 16:00
Join us as we explore the growing relationship between the internet and filmmaking, and how digital platforms are creating new opportunities for emerging filmmakers.
Versions of Me
BFI Southbank, Screen NFT4 |16:00 – 17:00
This panel discussion explores autism, masking and the shifting nature of identity through discussion and audience reflection.
Behind the Screens: The Film Locations Quiz
BFI Southbank, BFI Reuben Library | 17:00 – 18:30
We celebrate the launch of Jane Crowther’s Behind the Screens: 100 Iconic Locations That Made Movie History with a quiz that puts renowned film locations centre stage.
DJ Night – Club Labor: Back to 2016
BFI Southbank, BFI Bar 21:00 – 1:00 | 18+
Come join this nostalgic trip back to 2016, celebrating the unforgettable hits that defined one of music’s most exciting years.
Sunday 18th October
From Console to Cinema
BFI Southbank, BFI Reuben Library | 11:00 -12:00
In this discussion, we look at how gaming worlds captivate billions and the ways Hollywood is racing to turn them into its next generation of hit films and series.
Adam Pearson: Zero Intention of Living Quietly
BFI Southbank, The Blue Room | 11:30 – 12:30
Actor, broadcaster, and leading disability advocate Adam Pearson joins us to discuss his career and his influential advocacy work for more inclusive storytelling and authentic representation.
In Praise of Stillness: Exploring the Beauty of Slow Cinema
BFI Southbank, Screen NFT4 | 12:00 – 13:00 | 15+
Join us for this illustrated talk, which examines one of contemporary cinema’s most distinctive filmmaking styles.
Monstrous? Rethinking Disability in Horror
BFI Southbank, BFI Reuben Library | 13:00 – 14:00
Dr Darren Gray joins us to discuss his book, Horror and Disability: Representations of Disability in Twenty-First-Century Film and Television.
No Way Out? Institutions and Black British Screen Stories
BFI Southbank, Screen NFT4 | 14:00 – 15:00 | 15+
Discover how Black British film and television examine identity, belonging and the institutions that shape contemporary Britain.
The Laughter of the Unheard: How Moving Image Shapes Collective Joy
BFI Southbank, The Blue Room | 13:30 – 14:45
Join us as we explore how film, television and grassroots media capture moments of collective joy, and how these experiences are remembered, shared and transformed into our cultural memory.
The Cinema That Changed Everything
BFI Southbank, BFI Reuben Library | 15:00 – 16:00
Each member of a panel of filmmakers chooses one film movement or landmark film they feel transformed the medium.
Made of Many: Reclaiming Identity Through Storytelling
BFI Southbank, The Blue Room | 16:00 – 17:00
An interactive workshop exploring identity through film, moving image and the stories we choose to tell.
Queens of the Night: Female Vampires on Screen
BFI Southbank, BFI Reuben Library | 17:00 – 18:00 | 15+
Step into the seductive, dangerous and ever-evolving world of cinema’s most captivating immortal: the female vampire.
