London Film Festival 2025 to Showcase 250 Films with Bold Themes
The 69th edition of the BFI London Film Festival (LFF) is set to commence on October 4, 2025, featuring approximately 250 films, including 27 world premieres. Among the highlights are notable titles from this year’s festival circuit, such as Jim Jarmusch’s Venice winner, Father Mother Sister Brother, and Jafar Panahi’s Cannes winner, It Was Just an Accident. The festival will open with Rian Johnson’s much-anticipated third installment of the Knives Out series, titled Wake Up Dead Man, and will conclude with Julia Jackson’s 100 Nights of Hero on October 19.
Kristy Matheson, the festival’s director, expressed her excitement about curating this year’s selection. The films chosen for the opening and closing slots reflect a specific flavor of the festival. Matheson noted, “It’s really special when filmmakers play in London and then return to London,” highlighting Johnson’s connection to the city through his films.
Exploring Bold Cinematic Themes
This year’s festival presents eight world premieres, showcasing a range of cinematic voices. Matheson pointed to Moss & Freud, a film exploring the relationship between artist Lucian Freud and model Kate Moss, as a notable entry. She described it as an “ode to London” and a film that tackles the theme of artist identity and friendship.
Another premiere, The Death of Bunny Monro, is adapted from Nick Cave’s book, directed by Isabella Eklöf, known for her compelling storytelling. Additionally, the documentary Super Nature offers a poignant exploration of humanity’s connection to the natural world, all captured on Super 8 film.
Matheson observed an overarching theme of daring storytelling across the lineup, noting how filmmakers are pushing the boundaries of their craft. She mentioned the presence of “totem animals” in this year’s selections, with a particular focus on birds, as seen in H Is for Hawk featuring Claire Foy and Brendan Gleeson.
Global Representation and Inclusivity
This year, films from 79 countries will be represented at the festival, with notable contributions from the Middle East and North Africa, as well as sub-Saharan Africa. Matheson highlighted Italy’s standout year in cinema, featuring films such as Portobello by Marco Bellocchio and Below the Clouds by Gianfranco Rosi.
A significant focus for Matheson and her programming team is inclusivity, with 42 percent of the films directed by female or non-binary filmmakers. Matheson emphasized the importance of reflecting the diverse population of London and the global community. She stated, “We want the program to feel representative of who you see on the street,” aiming for audiences to connect with the stories presented.
As the festival approaches, Matheson expressed her anticipation for an immersive experience in the LFF Expanded section, featuring the installation NOWISWHENWEARE (the stars). Attendees will encounter a striking environment created with over 4,000 reactive LED lights, designed to transport them into a cosmic experience, showcasing the festival’s commitment to innovative presentations.
The BFI London Film Festival promises to deliver a dynamic array of films and experiences, reflecting both the vibrancy of contemporary cinema and the diverse stories that shape it. With its ambitious lineup, the festival aims to engage audiences and leave a lasting impression on all who attend.
