Emerging filmmakers make their mark at BFI London Film Festival
8th October 2026
Discover nine National Lottery-funded, BFI-backed films premiering at this year's BFI London Film Festival, showcasing some of the UK's most exciting emerging filmmaking talent.
The 70th edition of the BFI London Film Festival is bringing together some of the biggest names in film.
These nine films supported by National Lottery funding through the BFI will premiere at this year's festival, showcasing some of the UK's most exciting emerging talent.
Feature films
Four National Lottery-backed feature films supported by the BFI Filmmaking Fund will screen at the festival.
I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning
From filmmaker Clio Barnard (The Selfish Giant, Ali & Ava), the film will screen as part of the Debate strand. It premiered at Cannes earlier this year, where it won an audience award.
Our Share of Sand
The debut feature from Shalini Adnani will compete in the First Feature Competition. The film recently had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
Lady
The debut feature from Olive Nwosu will screen in the First Feature Competition. The film premiered at Sundance in January before screening at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Animol
The debut feature from Ashley Walters (Bullet Boy, Adolescence) will screen in the First Feature Competition. The film had its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Feature documentaries
Two documentaries supported by the BFI Doc Society Fund have been selected for this year's programme.
Queer Edward II
Directed by Theo Rollason, the documentary will screen in the Documentary Competition following its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
Rebellion
From filmmakers Ken Fero and Tariq Mehmood, Rebellion will screen as part of the festival's Debate strand
Short films
A number of National Lottery-backed shorts will also be showcased at the festival.
Meatmylk, supported through Future Takes in partnership with Film4, alongside BFI NETWORK-supported shorts Hindsight and In Dreaming, both of which will screen as part of the I See Myself short film programme.
Because of You
National Lottery players raise £33 million for good causes every week, helping to support filmmakers at every stage of their careers.
This year's festival demonstrates the impact of that investment, with National Lottery-backed filmmakers making their mark on some of the world's biggest stages.