26 September 2025
Newsdesk
The 69th BFI London Film Festival (LFF), in partnership with American Express, has unveiled the exhilarating lineup for its LFF For Free programme. Offering over 60 events across the festival, all completely free of charge, the programme runs from October 11 to 19, 2025, primarily based at BFI Southbank.
The free events span from insightful talks and panel discussions to unique screenings and interactive workshops, making the festival accessible to all Londoners.
Free Programme Highlights
Two of the most anticipated talks feature major filmmaking talent. Director Jon M. Chu will present “The Wizard of Wicked,” taking audiences behind the scenes of his two-part cinematic spectacle. Additionally, Rian Johnson, the director of the LFF Opening Night Gala Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, will discuss “The Art of the Whodunit,” exploring the craft behind his innovative mystery series.
The festival will also host a special big-screen showing of the BBC documentary “When Bruce Springsteen Came to Britain,” marking the 50th anniversary of The Boss’s first UK concert. This celebratory film features contributions from Sir Michael Palin, Peter Gabriel, and Stevie Van Zandt, alongside an exclusive interview with Springsteen himself.
Immersive Art and Games
Returning by popular demand is the Games Lounge at BFI IMAX, offering a playful showcase of imaginative and inventive games from around the world. The LFF Expanded programme also features FUTURE BOTANICA, a free installation where audiences collaborate with AI to co-create virtual landscapes.
Additional free talks will delve into contemporary issues, exploring themes like the on-screen portrayal of migration, the complexities of mental health, and modern depictions of sex and sexuality in film.
Booking for LFF For Free opens at 10:00 BST on Thursday, October 2nd, at www.bfi.org.uk/lff.
