The 69th BFI London Film Festival, running from 8 to 19 October 2025 in partnership with American Express, presents an exceptional programme of Screen Talks: in‑depth on‑stage interviews with some of the most celebrated voices in contemporary cinema, offering audiences rare access to their methods, ideas and creative journeys. These events take place at key London venues such as BFI Southbank, BFI IMAX and other festival hubs, and selected recordings are later made available on BFI Player for viewers across the UK.
Star-powered Screen Talks: featured guests
This year’s Screen Talks line‑up features a remarkable group of filmmakers and actors:
Daniel Day‑Lewis (Phantom Thread, There Will Be Blood), the only performer to have won three Oscars for Best Actor, returns to the public stage to reflect on his extraordinary career and process, in a rare, in‑depth conversation at the Festival.
Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things, The Favourite), acclaimed for his singular blend of satire, absurdism and emotional depth, discusses his distinctive cinematic language and recent work, including his latest films showcased on the festival circuit.
Richard Linklater (Boyhood, Dazed and Confused), whose filmography ranges from experimental projects to beloved modern classics, talks about time, memory, performance and his long‑running collaborations with actors.
Jafar Panahi (The White Balloon, Taxi), recognized for his courageous and inventive cinema exploring Iranian society, offers insight into making films under restriction and the power of storytelling as resistance.
Lynne Ramsay (Morvern Callar, We Need to Talk About Kevin), celebrated for her bold visual style and narrative precision, delves into image, sound and subjectivity in her approach to character and atmosphere.
Tessa Thompson (Thor: Love and Thunder, Passing), a versatile actor across studio blockbusters, independent cinema and prestige television, reflects on character work, representation and navigating different formats.
Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, Eternals), known for blending documentary textures with fiction in both intimate dramas and major franchises, discusses working with non‑professional performers, world‑building and moving between arthouse and Marvel‑scale productions.
Venues, UK-wide access and BFI Player
The Festival’s activities are centered in London at Royal Festival Hall, BFI Southbank, BFI IMAX and five West End cinemas, creating a city‑wide hub for premieres, talks and special events. In addition, the programme extends across the UK through partner venues in cities such as Nottingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and others, ensuring audiences nationwide can take part in LFF screenings and events.
For even broader access, the BFI curates a selection of LFF titles, past and present, on BFI Player, where viewers can watch films and Screen Talks online, including recorded conversations from the 2025 edition as part of the Screen Talks collection.
Tickets and key dates
Tickets for the 69th BFI London Film Festival, including Screen Talks, go on general sale from 16 September 2025, with priority booking for BFI Members starting earlier. The full festival programme—comprising films, series, immersive works, talks and special events—is announced on 3 September 2025, giving audiences time to plan their schedule ahead of the October dates.
🎥 Follow The Hidden Review!
Stay ahead with the latest news, reviews, interviews, tips from our Blog, exclusive insights, and behind-the-scenes updates on movies, TV shows, and more!
📌 Don’t miss out—hit that subscribe button and tap the bell for notifications. 🔔
🔍 Stay in the know with The Hidden Review:
✨ Discover what’s hidden, only with The Hidden Review.
©2025 The Hidden Review
Leave a Reply