BFI London Film Festival 2025 Line-Up

Films, Premieres, and Events at the BFI London Film Festival 2025

The 69th BFI London Film Festival (LFF) 2025 has officially announced its comprehensive programme, signaling a year of bold cinematic exploration, innovative storytelling, and cultural celebration. Running from Wednesday, October 8th through Sunday, October 19th, the festival is set to attract film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and critics from around the world, offering a diverse array of films that reflect the richness of contemporary global cinema.

Table of Contents

A Grand Opening and Closing Ceremony

Kickoff with Rian Johnson’s ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’

The festival will commence with the International Premiere of Rian Johnson’s ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’, a highly anticipated addition to the popular Knives Out franchise. Known for his sharp wit and intricate plotting, Johnson’s latest work promises to deliver a compelling blend of mystery, humor, and star power, setting an energetic tone for the entire festival.

Concluding with Julia Jackman’s ‘100 Nights of Hero’

The festival will close with the UK Premiere of Julia Jackman’s ‘100 Nights of Hero’, a groundbreaking film that has already garnered attention for its powerful storytelling and inventive approach. This film’s inclusion as the closing night feature underscores the festival’s dedication to highlighting diverse voices and innovative narratives that push the boundaries of traditional cinema.

In-Depth Overview of the BFI London Film Festival 2025 Line-Up

Exclusive Galas and Premieres

The festival’s prestigious galas and premieres are designed to celebrate both established auteurs and emerging talents, providing a platform for films that are expected to resonate deeply with audiences.

Notable Gala Screenings

American Express Gala: Rental Family by Hikari, starring Brendan Fraser (UK Premiere). This emotionally charged family drama explores themes of love, loss, and reconciliation, promising a heartfelt cinematic experience.
Cunard Gala: Jay Kelly, a star-studded ensemble comedy-drama directed by Noah Baumbach, known for his sharp wit and keen character studies (UK Premiere).
Mayor of London’s Gala: Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao, an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel, offering a poetic meditation on love and loss set against the backdrop of Elizabethan England (European Premiere).
Patrons’ Gala: H Is for Hawk, Philippa Lowthorpe’s adaptation of Helen Macdonald’s memoir, starring Claire Foy and Brendan Gleeson, which delves into grief and the healing power of nature (UK Premiere).

Spotlight on World Premieres

The festival’s commitment to discovering new talent and showcasing innovative films is evident in its 27 World Premieres. These include:

‘Giant’: A gripping British boxing drama by Rowan Athale, featuring Amir El-Masry and Pierce Brosnan, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and societal expectations.
‘Moss & Freud’: An intimate and provocative portrait of the relationship between supermodel Kate Moss and artist Lucien Freud, directed by James Lucas.
‘Super Nature’: A visually stunning environmental documentary by Ed Sayers, examining the delicate balance of ecosystems and human impact.
‘Black Is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story’: A compelling tribute to the visionary photographer and activist Kwame Brathwaite, directed by Yemi Bamiro, celebrating Black beauty and cultural pride.
‘More Life’: Actor Bradley Banton’s debut as a filmmaker, exploring themes of community, hope, and personal transformation.
‘High Wire’: A lively British-Chinese immigrant story by Calif Chong, blending humor and social commentary.
‘The Death of Bunny Munro’: An adaptation from Isabella Eklöf, starring Matt Smith, based on Nick Cave’s novel, promising a dark, layered narrative.
‘Hotel London’: A rare, newly remastered 4K version of this environmental documentary, restored by the BFI National Archive, illuminating London’s architectural and ecological history.

International Premieres: A Global Cinematic Showcase

The festival also features a significant number of international discoveries, including:

‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’: The highly anticipated opening-night film by Rian Johnson.
‘Is This Thing On?’: Bradley Cooper’s third feature film, exploring the complexities of fame and personal identity.
‘She’s the He’: A gender-swap comedy by Siobhan McCarthy, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms.
‘Finding Optel’: A heartwarming childhood detective story by Jesse Brown and Mikayla Joy Brown, blending nostalgia with social commentary.
‘The Vile’: A psychological horror by Majid Al Ansari, promising suspense and intense storytelling.
‘One Woman One Bra’: Vincho Nchogu’s poignant tale of land, resistance, and cultural identity.
‘Maspalomas’: A frank exploration of elder queer desire, directed by Aitor Arregi.
‘Island of the Winds’: A profound documentary examining Taiwan’s history with leprosy, directed by Hsu Ya-Ting.
‘Love, Brooklyn’: A vibrant ode to New York City, capturing its diverse spirit and stories.

In addition, the festival will present a major restoration of Ciro Durán’s ‘La Paga’, a pioneering Colombian film from 1962, restored in 4K and screened on the UK’s largest cinema screen, celebrating film preservation and history.

Celebrated Filmmakers and Returning Alumni

The BFI London Film Festival 2025 continues its tradition of showcasing both legendary auteurs and exciting emerging voices. Returning filmmakers include:

Yorgos Lanthimos: Known for his surreal storytelling and sharp visual style.
Richard Linklater: Celebrated for his innovative approaches to narrative.
Lynne Ramsay: Acclaimed for her intense, poetic films.
Guillermo del Toro: Master of fantasy and horror, bringing his latest work.
Jim Jarmusch: Indie film pioneer with his signature style.
Chloé Zhao: Oscar-winning director known for her intimate storytelling.
Bradley Cooper: An actor and director whose projects continue to garner attention.
Luca Guadagnino: Known for his lush, emotionally resonant films.
Julia Ducournau: Horror auteur behind Titane.
Jafar Panahi: Iranian filmmaker and activist, whose work remains influential despite restrictions.

This impressive lineup underscores the festival’s role as a vital platform for both established masters and emerging talents.

Special Presentations and Thematic Screenings

Unique Film Experiences

The festival’s special presentations offer audiences a wide array of cinematic experiences:

Documentary Special: Broken English, a soulful portrait of Marianne Faithfull by Jane Pollard and Iain Forsyth.
Experimenta: Afterlives by Kevin B. Lee, a complex tapestry exploring memory and mortality.
Series: The Death of Bunny Munro, starring Matt Smith, explores themes of obsession and decay.
BFI Flare: Maspalomas, celebrating LGBTQ+ stories and activism.
Immersive Works: N O W I S W H E N W E A R E (THE STARS) by Andrew Schneider, blending narrative with immersive technology.
Archive Restoration: Sholay – Director’s Cut, a landmark Indian film restored in 4K, premiering on the UK’s largest cinema screen.

An Extensive Festival of Discovery

Curated Cinema and Themed Programmes

The feature film programme is thoughtfully curated into thematic strands designed to inspire and challenge audiences:

Love: Romantic stories and human connections.
Debate: Films that spark social and political discussions.
Laugh: Comedies and light-hearted fare.
Dare: Bold, experimental works pushing cinematic boundaries.
Thrill: Suspense and psychological dramas.
Cult: Genre-defining classics and underground cinema.
Journey: Films exploring personal and physical journeys.
Create: Innovative storytelling and filmmaking techniques.
Experimenta: Cutting-edge experimental cinema.
Family: Films suitable for all ages, emphasizing shared experiences.
Shorts: A vibrant selection of short films from around the world.

LFF Expanded and Series

The LFF Expanded initiative introduces audiences to immersive and interactive works that challenge traditional viewing formats. The Series Programme showcases acclaimed episodic series, emphasizing storytelling in the digital age.

The Festival’s Significance and Cultural Impact

Director Kristy Matheson’s Vision

Kristy Matheson, Director of the BFI London Film Festival, emphasizes the importance of this year’s programme:

“This year’s line-up reflects the incredible diversity and vibrancy of world cinema today — films that inspire, challenge, provoke, and move us. From groundbreaking new voices to revered master filmmakers, the Festival remains a vital meeting point for stories that demand to be seen and experienced on the big screen.”

An Unmissable Event for Film Lovers

With 27 World Premieres, 11 International Premieres, and 20 European Premieres, the BFI London Film Festival 2025 is poised to be one of the most significant cultural events of the year. It celebrates storytelling in all its forms, fostering dialogue, cultural exchange, and innovation within the cinematic arts.

Conclusion: Experience the Best of Global Cinema at the BFI London Film Festival 2025

The comprehensive programme for the 69th BFI London Film Festival underscores its status as a premier platform for cinematic excellence. From star-studded galas and historic restorations to groundbreaking new films and immersive experiences, the festival offers something for every cinephile. Mark your calendars for October 8-19, 2025, and prepare to immerse yourself in a world of captivating stories, visionary filmmaking, and cultural celebration.