The British Film Institute (BFI) has recently unveiled its highly anticipated programme for June and July 2024 at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX. Film enthusiasts and cinema-goers can look forward to an array of captivating seasons, screenings, and special events, promising an enriching and diverse cinematic experience.
TIGRITUDES: A Pan-African Cinema Exploration
One of the main highlights of the BFI programme is TIGRITUDES, a major exploration of Pan-African cinema. Originally launched in France and touring across the African continent, TIGRITUDES presents a subjective and chronological anthology of Pan-African cinema, showcasing the range, inventiveness, and vitality of a moving image culture that has often been under-distributed internationally. The season at BFI Southbank will feature a selection of films from the vast anthology, curated by filmmakers Dyana Gaye and Valérie Osouf. Audiences can expect works from acclaimed directors such as Julie Dash, Med Hondo, and Souleymane Cissé, as well as emerging artists contributing to the diverse and powerful film cultures across Africa and its diasporas.
DISCOMFORT MOVIES: Challenging the Comfort Zone
For those seeking a more unconventional and thought-provoking cinematic experience, BFI Southbank presents DISCOMFORT MOVIES. This season showcases films that defy the notion of a “comfort watch” and instead induce feelings of fear, stress, anxiety, and despair. From Gena Rowland’s captivating performance in “A Woman Under the Influence” to the wince-inducing body horror of “Titane,” these films push the boundaries and challenge audiences to explore discomfort in cinema. DISCOMFORT MOVIES explores a variety of genres and styles, offering transformative experiences for open-minded viewers.
Italian Neorealism: Chasing the Real (Part 2)
Continuing the celebration of Italian Neorealism, BFI Southbank presents the second part of a two-month exploration of this influential post-war cinematic movement. Italian Neorealism rejected traditional cinematic conventions and had a profound impact on global cinema. The season features a curated selection of films that exemplify the movement’s authenticity and social consciousness. From Roberto Rossellini’s groundbreaking “Rome, Open City” to Luchino Visconti’s “Bellissima,” audiences can immerse themselves in the powerful storytelling and visual aesthetics of Italian Neorealism.
Onstage Guests and Film Previews
In addition to the exciting seasons, BFI Southbank will host various onstage guests and film previews throughout June and July. These special events provide unique insights into the world of cinema and offer opportunities to engage with industry professionals. Guests such as Steven Moffat, Mohsen and Hana Makhmalbaf, Melvyn Bragg, and Griffin Dunne will share their experiences and expertise. Film previews include highly anticipated titles like “Douglas is Cancelled,” “The Nature of Love,” and “Next Sohee,” offering audiences a sneak peek into upcoming releases.
New and Re-releases at BFI Southbank
BFI Southbank continues its commitment to showcasing a wide range of films, both new and re-releases. Audiences can enjoy the BFI Distribution release of “Ama Gloria” and the re-release of “Rome, Open City,” a groundbreaking neorealist film by Roberto Rossellini. Other new films screening at BFI Southbank include “The Beast,” “Green Border,” “Bye Bye Tiberias,” “Sleep,” and “About Dry Grasses.” Re-releases like “The Conversation” and “Network” provide opportunities to revisit classic films and appreciate their enduring impact.
BFI IMAX Screenings
BFI IMAX, known for its immersive cinematic experience, will also feature captivating screenings during the June-July programme. Highlights include “A Quiet Place: Day One,” “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and the “Indiana Jones Trilogy.” Additionally, special centenary screenings of “The Great White Silence” and “The Epic of Everest” pay tribute to cinematic masterpieces that have stood the test of time.
Essential Maintenance at BFI Southbank
While the BFI Southbank programme promises an incredible cinematic experience, it’s important to note that essential maintenance work will be taking place during this period. Some spaces around the building, such as NFT1 and NFT3, will be temporarily closed to improve and modernize the venue. However, BFI Southbank will remain open throughout the maintenance work, offering a rich and varied programme of film and television screenings for audiences to enjoy.
With an exciting lineup of seasons, screenings, onstage guests, and film previews, the BFI’s June and July 2024 programme at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX is set to captivate audiences and celebrate the diverse world of cinema. Whether exploring the rich heritage of Pan-African cinema, challenging the comfort zone with discomfort movies, or delving into the authenticity of Italian Neorealism, film enthusiasts can look forward to an unforgettable cinematic experience at BFI.
Thank you for reading this post.