• Live and digital screenings over 12 days
  • Up to 50 virtual premieres of films, plus film previews at cinemas around UK
  • Audiences rather than an official jury will vote for best films

London Film Festival

London Film Festival: Audience will vote best films with live screenings to judge

The BFI London Film Festival has unveiled plans for its upcoming edition, which will see it offer both live and digital screenings across the 12 days of the event from October 7-18. 

The Festival will deliver up to 50 virtual premieres for audiences to watch at home, and these will include additional elements such as an intro or Q&A.

The programme will also include a range of free-to-access additional works and events including an international short film programme, screen talks with major filmmakers and actors, roundtables and a new virtual exhibition of XR and immersive art with works that can be experienced in a variety of ways online, with and without headsets.

The 2020 edition of the BFI London Film Festival will also work with UK exhibitors to offer up to 12 exclusive previews as they welcome audiences back to cinemas. These films will also preview at the Festival’s flagship venue BFI Southbank and select other London cinemas over the Festival period.

As a one-off for this edition, the Festival will ask audiences to take the place of its official jury. Viewers attending Virtual LFF will be invited to vote on Audience Awards in four categories: Best Fiction Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Short Film, and Best XR. The winners will be announced in a live online ceremony on the final weekend of the Festival.

The 2020 Edition of the LFF will retain its distinctive strands to help audiences explore the programme: Love, Debate, Laugh, Dare, Thrill, Cult, Journey, Create, Family, Treasures and Experimenta.

The LFF Press & Industry Programme will also move online – UK and International delegates will have access to preview screenings via a secure viewing library, the opportunity to attend online buyers and sellers’ meetings and to a programme of talks and events.

The full programme will be announced at an online launch on 8th September 2020.

BFI London Film festival director Tricia Tuttle said: “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.”

Mipcom to run as hybrid physical-digital event in October

International programmes sales market Mipcom is to take place as both a physical gathering in Cannes and a digital event, according to organisers Reed Midem.

Set to take place between 12-15 October, Mipcom says its first Online+ Digital Hybrid Edition is designed to support buyers and participants who can’t travel to connect from home, and for participants in Cannes to connect with those at home.

For those travelling to Cannes, Mipcom said it is putting in place “advanced safety measures” throughout the Palais des Festivals.

Mipcom is also launching the new Mipcom Global Upfronts, which will feature several days of showcases and screenings.