The BFI London Film Festival (LFF) is just around the corner, with 11 days and nights of new movies in store for those lucky enough to have tickets. But it’s not just films at the festival – and not everything costs money to attend. The LFF has a full programme of free events and screenings that you can book from 10am on Thursday, October 2, and a pretty packed schedule of events and exhibitions you won’t need to book at all. There’s Wicked costume exhibitions, dance parties and talks galore. Here’s what to look out for.
Get up close to Wicked’s Oscar-winning gowns
Wicked: For Good is not on this year’s LFF line-up but you can get up close with some of the spectacular, award-winning costumes, props and rarely seen behind-the-scenes photography from the first film in the mezzanine of the BFI Southbank every day from noon to 8pm. Wizard fans can also catch director Jon M Chu discussing the movie on October 10. Tickets are free for that, too, and booking opens at 10am, October 2.
Head here for info
Solve a murder-mystery with ‘Star Wars’ director Rian Johnson
Rian Johnson’s third Knives Out movie is this year’s curtain raiser and, brick that he is, the American filmmaker is sticking around for an hour-long talk about the secrets behind his murder-mystery franchise. Catch him at BFI Southbank on October 9.
Head here for info
Blow a synapse or two with an LED spectacular
Never mind Tron, the LFF’s Expanded programme is here to reshape your mind. There are 11 projects to immerse yourself in, with VR, gaming and, yes, AI installations that stretch the boundaries of XR art. Using 4000 LED lights, award-winning artist Andrew Schneider will be transforming the South Bank’s Rambert Studio into a dazzling living galaxy with his Yayoi Kusama-influenced NOWISWHENWEARE (the stars).
October 3-19. Head here for info
Get down to ’80s New York hip-hop at a free party
Charlie Ahearn’s seminal hip-hop doc Wild Style is playing at the fest and to keep the vibe alive, the BFI bar will be bouncing to the sounds of The Sugarhill Gang and Grandmaster Flash on Friday, October 10 as DJs spin golden age rap cuts. Look out for other DJ nights across the fest’s two weekends.
Head here for info
Take the kids on an anime adventure
The LFF line-up isn’t exactly replete with family-friendly fare, but this workshop is a perfect gateway for younger festivalgoers to discover the wonders of big-screen animation from Studio Ghibli to Lotte Reiniger’s shadow-puppet films. It’ll also give them the chance to design their own anime character. No need to book, just head for the BFI Southbank Foyer at 11am on October 19.
Head here for info
This year’s London Film Festival runs from Wednesday, October 8 to Sunday, October 19. Head to the official festival website for full programme info and tickets.
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