BFI London Film Festival announces new virtual format for 'accessible' 2020 edition

New format: Screenings will take place online and venues like the BFI Southbank
Harry Fletcher2 July 2020

BFI London Film Festival has announced a new format for its 2020 edition, which is due to take place from October 7-18.

This year’s event, which is being billed as the festival’s most accessible yet, will take place both online and in person, with a mix of virtual events and cinema screenings across 12 days in the capital.

Fans can expect up to 50 virtual film premieres as part of the event, all presented with Q&As or introductions from BFI. The films will represent talent from all over the world, encompassing fiction, documentary, animation and restored classics. Previews will also take place in cinemas around the country during the event, including at the BFI Southbank.

There will be an international short film programme, as well as virtual, immersive art exhibitions and Screen Talks with actors and directors. The full programme will be announced on September 8.

For the first time, audiences will be asked to take part in the festival’s jury, with virtual audience members invited to vote in the Audience Awards for Best Fiction Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Short Film, and Best XR (cross reality).

BFI London Film Festival Director, Tricia Tuttle said: “Like many other live events around the world, we’ve had to make changes to our plans in response to a global pandemic, factoring in safety concerns and restrictions – some known, some still unclear. But as we’ve undergone this planning we’ve also witnessed historical international protests, an urgent reminder of just how much we need to do to combat racism and inequality.

“This year has also given us an opportunity to think creatively about how we make the Festival more accessible. It was vital to us that we get back to cinemas, and are looking forward to working with independent and cultural venues across the UK who are such an essential part of our film ecosystem. The Virtual LFF programmes and these cinema screenings take the Festival out across the UK, giving people opportunities to engage in different ways.”

For more information, head here

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