Explore the films competing for glory

Explore the competitions at the 61st BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express®

Not sure where to start at LFF? Our competition sections are a brilliant way to start your Festival adventure, featuring our selections of the most innovative, inspiring filmmaking happening today. Explore the best film category as well as highlights from first time filmmakers, documentaries and short films.

Official Competition titles are hosted at the amazing Embankment Garden Cinema, our hugely popular temporary cinema which features Dolby® 7.1 surround sound and 4K digital projection.

Official Competition

Just some of the great films competing in our official competition

First Feature Competition

The Sutherland Award recognises the most original and imaginative directorial debut

Documentary Competition

The Grierson Award recognises films with integrity, originality, and social or cultural significance

Short Film Award

Recognising short form works with a unique cinematic voice

Vibrant 2017 – A Festival of Finborough Playwrights

8 – 26 October
Finborough Theatre
Now in its ninth consecutive year, Vibrant 2017 – A Festival of Finborough Playwrights, our annual celebration of new writing returns.

The African Gaze

19.30 – 20.30 on 13 Oct, 10 Nov & 8 Dec
Victoria & Albert Museum
African Heritage within the V&A’s Europe 1600 – 1815 Galleries: Nadia Denton’s tour will give an overview of the African presence in 17th and 18th Century Europe.

Image Credit - Peter the Great with Black Page, Gustav Von Mardefeld (1720), Victoria & Albert Museum, London

Victory Condition

5 – 21 October
Royal Court Theatre
An attempt to get to grips with the fact that everything happens at once.