LFF for Free

The 68th edition of the BFI London Film Festival takes over South Bank from 9–20 October with hundreds of film screenings and other film-related events happening at the BFI, Southbank Centre and Oxo Tower Wharf. 

In addition to the many ticketed film screenings and Screen Talks with leading filmmakers, throughout the festival there is also a busy programme of free events to enjoy on the LFF for Free Programme.

Taking place at the BFI Southbank’s Festival Cafe and at the gallery@oxo in the nearby Oxo Tower Wharf, the free events programme includes talks, short film screenings, DJ nights, fun family workshops, gaming and more.

Note that as space is limited at venues, prior booking online is usually required for free talks, although tickets do not guarantee entry if you are late! Arrive early to avoid disappointment and if you don't have tickets join the queue for last-minute standbys on the day.

Highlights of the LFF for Free programme to look out for include:

LFF for Free Talks

LFF FOR FREE TALKS AT BFI REUBEN LIBRARY 
The BFI's Reuben Library hosts a fascinating lineup of film talks exploring topics such as witches on screen, the cinematic depiction of sex workers, historical accuracy in films based on true stories and the portrayal of girlhood in films past and present. Explore the free talks programme here.

LFF FOR FREE TALKS - A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO...  
A series of drop-in lunchtime talks at the BFI Southbank Festival Cafe exploring the filmographies of some of the preeminent directors presenting new work in this year’s Festival including Andrea Arnold, Steve McQueen, Mike Leigh and Luca Guadagnino. Explore the Beginner's Guide To talks programme here.

FILM IN PRINT (12 & 13 Oct) 
Curated in partnership with Michael Leader and Jake Cunningham, co-creators of the Ghibliotheque series of books and podcasts, gallery@oxo will host a weekend of author Q&As, signings and panel discussions celebrating the art of writing about film. Explore the Film in Print programme here.

LFF EXPANDED

LFF Expanded is a fully immersive exhibition programme that invites audiences to explore and experience powerful new ways of telling stories on screen, created by some of the world’s leading mixed-reality artists, filmmakers and games designers. Experiences range from interactive digital games to epic audio-visual installations. Most LFF Expanded events are free, while some require prior booking. Explore the full LFF Expanded programme of events here.

LFF FOR FREE SHORT FILMS

Showing at the NFT4 at BFI Southbank, catch these free presentations of interesting and unusual new short films.

Sun 13 Oct at 12:30pm  |  LIFE BEYOND LABELS The UK broadcaster Together TV presents a programme of shorts backed by their Diverse Film Fund in partnership with Whisper and BSLBT.

Sun 20 Oct 12:30pm |  FILMS OF RESISTANCE From stories of imperial struggle to rejecting the gender binary, women and non-binary people fight against systems attempting to quash their power.

Sun 13 Oct and 20 Oct at 2pm  | BBC COMEDY SHORT FILMS Short films showcasing fresh talent and famous faces as you've never seen them before. Sitcoms, sketches and silliness.

Sun13 Oct and 20 Oct at 4pm  | LONDON CALLING: EVERYDAY ESCAPE A selection of shorts from some of London’s most exciting new voices, funded by BFI NETWORK and delivered by Film London.