The 57th British Film Institute London Film Festival is running this year between the 9th and the 20th of October and it promises to be, as usual, the absolute tops in entertainment for anyone interested in film. Whether it is screenings or seminars, there is something for everyone and with venues taking part all over London, wherever you are staying, there will be something nearby. Whether you make the BFI Film Festival the reason for your visit to London or simply a part of your stay, you are guaranteed a fabulous time.
How to get there; where to stay
With venues spread as far apart as the Hackney Picturehouse in North London to the amazing Ritzy in Brixton to the south and cinemas in Fulham and Bethnal Green marking the east and west extents, deciding where to stay is simple; anywhere in London will be fine. With that much leeway in your choice of hotel you will be glad that the Hotel Direct website is so easy to navigate and will make choosing easy. Just put your wants in the grid and away you go – you will get a great hotel at a great price. Getting around is simple because most of the venues are really near to a tube station and with the London airports offering direct links right into the centre of the city, getting started on your enjoyment of this great Film Festival is a breeze.
Is this a family event?
The BFI London Film Festival is a perfect family event because there are films that are suitable for children and for parents’ peace of mind these are all clearly indicated. Any holiday in London is amazing for children of all ages and so when the films are not really up their street, there is still loads to do. For a family group which only includes one film buff, this is an ideal holiday because no one needs feel left out of the action. With Madame Tussauds, the iconic London zoo, parks and museums all near the film venues, a family can breakfast, lunch and share supper whilst all the while Dad, Mum or teenager can be getting their film fix and the rest are enjoying the incredible things that London has to offer. And not everything costs the earth either; many of the Film Festival tickets are way under a normal cinema entrance fee and of course London is full of free days out.
Is it just films?
You can wallow in film screenings if you like, but there is also a huge range of other things to do, from listening to some of the giants of British cinema discuss their art or go to a concert of some of the top film music around. There are seminars where budding directors can really get involved and if you have always hankered to see Ralph Fiennes in the flesh, here is your chance – he is one of the featured speakers in his role as director of recent release The Invisible Woman, which is being shown during the Festival.
