69th BFI London Film Festival (LFF)

The 69th BFI London Film Festival (LFF), in partnership with American Express, is set to take place from 8 to 19 October 2025. The event will showcase an array of films, series, and storytelling experiences across London and the UK.

About the Festival

Organized by the British Film Institute, the LFF is the UK’s largest public film event, screening over 300 features, documentaries, and shorts from nearly 50 countries. The festival celebrates creativity, originality, vision, and imagination, presenting the finest contemporary international cinema from both established and emerging filmmakers. Set in the autumn, the festival hosts high-profile awards contenders, screens recently restored archive films, champions new discoveries, and combines curatorial strength with red carpet glamour. It also provides an extensive program of industry events, public forums, education events, lectures, masterclasses, and Q&As with filmmakers and film talent.

Awards

The festival recognizes excellence through several prestigious awards:

• Best Film Award (sponsored by American Express)
• Grierson Award for Best Documentary
• Sutherland Award for Best First Feature Film
• Short Film Award

All films selected for the festival are automatically considered for the awards they are eligible for.

Submission Deadlines & Fees

Final deadline for UK and Ireland films:

• Friday 23 May 2025, 17:00 BST

Submission fees:

• Feature Films (over 50 mins):
  • Early Bird (by 26 March): £35
  • Regular (27 March – 7 May): £45
  • Late (8 May – 23 May): £75
• Short and Mid-length Films (up to 50 mins):
  • Early Bird (by 26 March): £18
  • Regular (27 March – 7 May): £24
  • Late (8 May – 23 May): £40

For detailed submission guidelines and to submit your film, please visit the BFI London Film Festival Submissions Page.

Premiere Requirements

• Feature Films: Must be UK premieres. Preference is given to films that are World, International, or European premieres.
• Short Films: No premiere requirement.

Festival Experience

The LFF offers a hybrid festival experience, with screenings and events taking place in cinemas across London and the UK, as well as online via BFI Player. The festival’s program includes Opening and Closing Night Galas, thematic strands such as Love, Debate, Laugh, Dare, and Experimental, as well as special presentations and restored classics. Additionally, the festival hosts an extensive industry program, providing networking opportunities, panel discussions, and masterclasses for film professionals.

For more information and updates, visit the official BFI London Film Festival website.