BFI London Film Festival Announces 2021 Lineup

The BFI London Film Festival 2021 has revealed its full program today. Meanwhile, film fans wait in anticipation for some of the world’s greatest directors to show their newest films. Among the 159 features showing are 21 films that will premiere for the very first time. The festival will kick off with a showing of Jeymes Samuel’s first feature film, The Harder They Fall. 

New films from directors like Wes Anderson, Edgar Wright, Joel Coen, Joana Hogg, Kenneth Branagh Paul Verhoeven, and Jane Campion headline the 2021 festival as the world waits with bated breath for these iconic directors to return.

A Hybrid Model

The BFI London Film Festival will take place from October 6 to October 17. During the course of the festival, BFI will test out a hybrid model for increased accessibility. Indeed, films will be distributed to participating theaters across the country, and some will be available on BFI Player, a streaming service that showcases classic British films. The festival has confirmed that most events will take place in person. Simultaneously, the events will stream online for those who wish to keep their distance.

Anticipated Premieres 

Some of the most anticipated films showing at the festival include Edgar Wright’s Last Night at Soho, Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch, and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Lost Daughter. Ron’s Gone Wrong, the debut from the new animation studio Locksmith Animation, is also generating a lot of buzz.

Tickets will be available to the public on September 20, with additional tickets going on sale on September 30. Gala titles will play in The Royal Festival Hall, a modernist concert hall that seats 2,700 people.

Other films set to headline include King Richard, which has gained a lot of buzz regarding Will Smith’s performance as Richard Williams, and Spencer, which will see Kristen Stewart playing Princess Diana. 

The BFI London Film Festival 2021 will close with a screening of Joel Coen’s first solo film, The Tragedy of Macbeth. For more information on the full festival rollout, please visit the BFI London Film Festival 2021 website.