The BFI has announced an expansive programme for June 2026, headlined by a major celebration of the centenary of Marilyn Monroe. One hundred years after her birth, the BFI Southbank will pay tribute to the enduring legacy of the ultimate screen icon. The season will go beyond the "blonde bombshell" archetype to explore Monroe’s sophisticated craft as an actor and her trailblazing work as a producer who challenged the Hollywood studio system. Fans can expect 4K restorations of classics alongside deeper dives into her most nuanced performances.
A Century of Ritwik Ghatak
In a significant cultural moment, the BFI will also mark the centenary of the visionary South Asian filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak. A titan of Bengali cinema, Ghatak’s work is celebrated for its searing emotional power and its profound exploration of partition, displacement, and social change. This retrospective offers a rare opportunity for UK audiences to engage with his masterpiece films on the big screen, highlighting his unique ability to blend epic melodrama with radical political urgency.
Brazilian Cinema and Global Perspectives
The cinematic journey through South America continues with the second month of Brazil on Film. This major survey, one of the most comprehensive ever staged in the UK, explores the rich tapestry of Brazilian filmmaking. From the revolutionary Cinema Novo movement to contemporary voices tackling modern identity and environmental themes, the season provides an essential look at a nation’s history through its lens.
Additional Highlights
June also sees the BFI hosting exclusive previews of the year’s most anticipated independent releases and a series of special events featuring live Q&As with international directors. For those unable to visit the Southbank in person, a curated selection of the Marilyn Monroe and Ritwik Ghatak seasons will be made available to stream nationwide via BFI Player.
Whether revisiting the Hollywood Golden Age or discovering the radical archives of global cinema, the BFI’s June schedule remains a vital hub for film lovers. Tickets go on sale to members in early May, followed by a general release shortly after.
