BFI unveils David Lynch: The Dreamer, a major retrospective for January 2026

The BFI has announced details for DAVID LYNCH: THE DREAMER, a major retrospective set to run at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX from January 1st to February 1st, 2026. The season pays tribute to the unique visionary and multidisciplinary artist a year after his passing and on what would have been his 80th birthday.

Curated by Kimberley Sheehan and Justin Johnson, the programme celebrates Lynch's enduring influence across cinema, television, and art. The season includes screenings of all his great masterpieces, innovative short films, and contextual events.

Lynch’s genius lies in his ability to craft distinct dreamscapes—through haunting sound design and rich visuals—that connect deeply with audiences, exploring the darkness beneath pristine facades. His work, characterized by its challenging surrealism, reshaped popular culture, making his name an adjective in the cinematic lexicon.

Highlights of the retrospective include BFI Southbank screenings of films such as ERASERHEAD (1977), BLUE VELVET (1986), MULHOLLAND DRIVE (2001), and INLAND EMPIRE (2006). Five major films, including LOST HIGHWAY and WILD AT HEART, will also screen on the UK’s biggest screen at BFI IMAX.

The BFI will also preview the new documentary WELCOME TO LYNCHLAND (2025), featuring perspectives from close collaborators like Kyle MacLachlan and Laura Dern. Further events include a philosophical discussion on LOST HIGHWAY and a David Lynch VJ Night blending music and digital art projections.

For dedicated fans, the season includes screenings of the original 35mm pilot of TWIN PEAKS, the prequel TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME, and the rare companion piece TWIN PEAKS: THE MISSING PIECES. Guests will also be able to immerse themselves in a special installation recreating the show’s iconic Black Lodge Red Room at BFI Southbank throughout January.