As our favourite annual events continue to make a return, it seems that everything wants to come back bigger and better than before.
The BFI London Film Festival is no exception! As the world-renowned event makes its return for 2021, it looks as though there will be a few changes put into place – hopefully changes which add to the feeling of excitement surrounding the event overall.
Here’s everything that we know so far about the BFI London Film Festival 2021!
When is the BFI London Film Festival set to take place?
This year’s event is scheduled to begin on October 6th and close on October 17th, giving eager film-goers a whole ten days to enjoy it.
Where is the BFI London Film Festival 2021?
The festival has got a new location for 2021!
Having famously taken place annually in Leicester Square’s Odeon cinema, this year’s festivities will be held at the BFI South Bank, with galas and events related to the festival taking place at Royal Festival Hall.
The BFI haven’t yet specified the reason for this change, although we imagine it may be down to the dates of the festival coinciding with the long-awaited release of latest James Bond instalment No Time To Die, which will no doubt be commanding the attention of viewers in the BFILFF’s usual home.
Organisers will also continue to make use of the technology first implemented last year to allow the event to take place during the pandemic. Virtual audiences logging in to watch through BFI player, internationally-available panels and Q&As and even XR (extended reality) technology may all be used to further the experience once again during the ongoing pandemic – and to allow viewers from all over the UK to join in on the fun.
Speaking of which, the BFI have partnered with cinemas across the UK to organise screenings for film fans outside of London, with venues in Manchester, Newcastle, Cardiff, Glasgow, Belfast and more all set to take part.
What’s the line-up at this year’s BFI London Film Festival?
That’s one question we can’t answer just yet – submissions for the festival are still open!
Independent filmmakers are able to submit their own work for consideration until the 17th June, when the BFI will begin looking through applications in order to decide who gets a coveted BFI London Film Festival selection.
How can I get tickets for the BFI London Film Festival?
Tickets for the event go on sale on September 20th, with the selections and showings announced on September 7th.
‘We’re raring to get back to the large scale live festival in London,’ BFI London Film Festival director Tricia Tuttle said recently, ‘and what better way to do this than launch a new partnership with our legendary neighbours at the Southbank Centre, with the iconic and beautiful Royal Festival Hall becoming home to our galas.’
‘Despite many challenges and restrictions, last year allowed us to work in new ways with important cultural cinemas around the UK and also take festival films to audiences outside of London via BFI Player, so I am delighted to bring these elements into our model for this year.’
Popcorn at the ready!
Tickets for this year’s London BFI Film Festival will be sold through the official BFI website.