BFI London Film Festival In Partnership With American Express Announces Expanded Programming For Public And Industry
Festival public programme to expand to include XR and immersive projects, as well as new series and episodic work
New Industry programmes will showcase UK creative talent and connect UK and international delegates
Extended free public talks and events programme to create wider access for all audiences
64th BFI London Film Festival, 7th – 18th October 2020
The BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express today announced the introduction of major new Festival programmes for both public and industry audiences. A new public showcase will include immersive and interactive works using AR, MR, VR and feature ambitious experiential projects and creative collaborations between artists from different creative sectors. Additionally the Festival will premiere new episodic and series work created for digital platforms and/or broadcasters from around the world. A Gala event will headline this new showcase of approximately 30 new projects.
Building on the pilot programme ‘LFF for Free’ which brought in new audiences in 2019, the Festival will also substantially expand its free-to-access talks, events and screenings programme at BFI Southbank. These will give public audiences opportunities to engage with the Festival, be part of the collective cultural experience and join in debate and dialogue around important themes and issues emerging from the films.
Alongside this new public programming, the LFF will deliver a number of Industry programmes for international industry delegates, designed to create opportunities for business and creative collaboration. Concentrated over the first half of the Festival, this newly enhanced Industry programme will include showcases of emerging UK creative talent and in-progress projects, and build on the success of the 2019 BFI London Film Festival talks programme with a line-up of events on urgent creative, business and cultural themes of relevance to international professionals, particularly those seeking collaboration with UK talent and partners.
With emphasis on innovation, and expanding understanding of the cinematic form, on access for audiences, and on developing skills and talent within a global industry, these new programmes also continue to deliver on the BFI’s strategic priorities as the UK’s lead organisation for film, television and the moving image.
BFI London Film Festival Director, Tricia Tuttle said “We’ve focussed a great deal in recent years on the seismic changes in how films are reaching audiences, but there are other more creative ways the ground is shifting, with ‘filmmakers’ and producers increasingly working across different platforms, and greater connections and dialogue across different creative forms. Film Festivals are well placed to explore the evolution of moving image and these sites of connection. While this will be an international programme, the UK is bursting with innovators, we look forward to showing their work here, and offering a new platform where audiences can engage with different kinds of moving image-based storytelling, fiction and non-fiction”.
“Equally exciting is working to bring new audiences to the Festival, and we want to ensure price is not a barrier while giving people more meaningful ways engage with the work, and each other. Our free programme will offer greater opportunity for debate and discussion on pressing topical issues, themes and ideas that are emerging. Film helps us understand ourselves and each other and it’s this collective experience that really defines a Festival. We want to make this a richer experience for everyone”.
The 63rd edition of the festival, which took place in October last year, welcomed over 868 International and British filmmakers to present their work at venues across London. The festival featured a diverse selection of 233 feature films from both established and emerging talent and hosted 28 World Premieres, 12 International Premieres and 32 European Premieres, with a stellar line up of cast and crew in attendance for many of the films. The Festival was widely applauded for its diversity and inclusion with 78 countries represented across short films and features and 40% of films directed or co-directed by women. Across all competitive categories, 60% were directed or co-directed by women.
About the BFI
The BFI is the UK’s lead organisation for film, television and the moving image. It is a cultural charity that:
- Curates and presents the greatest international public programme of World Cinema for audiences; in cinemas, at festivals and online
- Cares for the BFI National Archive – the most significant film and television archive in the world
- Actively seeks out and supports the next generation of filmmakers
- Works with Government and Industry to make the UK the most creatively exciting and prosperous place to make film internationally
Founded in 1933, the BFI is a registered charity governed by Royal Charter. The BFI Board of Governors is chaired by Josh Berger CBE.
The BFI London Film Festival
BFI London Film Festival is Britain's leading film event and one of the world's best film festivals. It introduces the finest new British and international films to an expanding London and UK-wide audience and attracts significant international film industry participation. LFF is a compelling combination of diverse films, red carpet glamour, friendly audiences and vibrant exchange. LFF provides an essential profiling opportunity for films seeking global success; promotes the careers of British and international filmmakers through its industry and awards programmes and positions London as the world’s leading creative city.
Tricia Tuttle Biography
Tricia Tuttle continues her role as Director of BFI Festivals for the second year. She was appointed the position following her role as Artistic Director of the 62nd Edition of the BFI London Film Festival in 2018 and five successful years as Deputy Head of Festivals at BFI, including BFI Flare and BFI London Film Festival.
Moving from North Carolina in 1997 to complete a joint MA at BFI and Birkbeck, University of London in Film and TV Studies, Tricia’s passion for film has seen her work as a programmer, lecturer, writer and journalist. Her career has spanned a five year tenure at BAFTA, starting in 2008 and with her appointment as Film Programme Manager in 2011; programming the BFI London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (the pre-cursor to BFI Flare) and as Event Producer at London’s The Script Factory. Highly regarded by the BFI and industry, Tuttle has been instrumental in evolving BFI Festivals, continuing to expand audience reach year on year and introducing impactful initiatives such as BFI Flare’s FiveFilms4Freedom, in partnership with the British Council.
About Amex Experiences
American Express connects Cardmembers to the kinds of rewarding experiences and opportunities that matter to them and their businesses. Through Amex Experiences, Cardmembers have access to presale tickets, as well as the best seats and exclusive offers at some of the UK’s most sought-after entertainment events via partnerships with a range of entertainment institutions, including AEG, Live Nation, Somerset House, The British Film Institute and the National Theatre. Amex Experiences is just one example of the powerful backing that American Express provides its customers.
About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect on Facebook.
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