The 70th BFI London Film Festival, running from 7 to 18 October 2026, has revealed its complete line-up of Screen Talks, featuring an array of leading international directors, writers, and actors.
This year’s line-up includes Andrew Scott, Ava DuVernay, Brad Bird, Cynthia Erivo, James Gray, Jesse Eisenberg, John Malkovich, Mahershala Ali, Naomi Ackie, Sofia Coppola, and Danny Boyle.
Marking a historic first for the festival, the programme will host a Screen Talk outside London, with Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle taking part in an event at HOME in Manchester. Boyle, known for Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire, and 28 Days Later, will discuss his expansive career across British and international cinema.
In London, Andrew Scott will discuss his body of work across theatre, television, and film, alongside his performance in the LFF Opening Night film Elsinore. Ava DuVernay will reflect on her career spanning acclaimed civil rights dramas and documentaries such as Selma, 13th, and Origin, while double Oscar-winner Brad Bird will explore his work in both animation and live-action blockbusters, including The Incredibles and Ratatouille.
Additionally, multi-hyphenate artist Cynthia Erivo will discuss her stage and screen career, alongside Jesse Eisenberg, who appears in front of and behind the camera as he unveils the festival's Closing Night Gala Film, The Debut. Further sessions will feature John Malkovich, Mahershala Ali, Naomi Ackie, James Gray, and Sofia Coppola detailing their creative processes and career trajectories.
Screen Talks give audiences the opportunity to hear global talent discuss their careers in depth. Live events will be held primarily at BFI Southbank, with recorded sessions made available globally via BFI Player and the BFI YouTube channel.
Tickets for the 70th BFI London Film Festival go on general sale from 17 September 2026, with early booking options available for BFI Members.
