The Times BFI London Film Festival returns for 2006 in an explosion of exclusive film screenings and world cinema, celebrating its 50th birthday this year. Film fans can dive into two weeks of cinematic heaven at one of the world’s most acclaimed film festivals.

50 years of film
The London Film Festival is 50 years old this year, having presented the best in world cinema to London audiences for half a century. The London Film Festival 2006 promises to be no exception, featuring a staggering line up of films in addition to talks, discussion panels, workshops and other special events.

A history of film in London
In its 50 year history the London Film Festival has brought hundreds of films to London, showcasing the work of directors from around the world in one eclectic film festival event. The London Film Festival 2006 promises to continue in this tradition, including over 180 feature lengths and 130 shorts across a string of London venues.

Festival highlights
A number of highlight screenings will be taking place in the London Film Festival 2006, including the European premiere of The Last King of Scotland on the opening night. The complete festival programme will be announced at a later date and fans can expect plenty to get excited about.

Viewlondon film reviews
Check our London Film Festival film reviews for regular film reviews throughout the London Film Festival, keeping you up to speed on the latest developments in this premier film and cinema London event.

Special events
To mark the milestone anniversary of the festival special events will be staged this year, including a free digital film event at Trafalgar Square on Friday 27th October and a 50 venue surprise film screening on Sunday 29th October. Further details will be available at a later date.

A Portrait of London at Trafalgar Square
A Portrait of London is a unique London film Festival event involving a selection of acclaimed artists and filmmakers. The event, taking place in celebration of the festival’s 50th anniversary, features digital postcards that celebrate the capital and its population whilst also reflecting the filmmaking potential of the city in general. Musician and film director Mike Figgis will be on hand with a live VJ mix of images and sounds, projected on to a big screen at Trafalgar Square. The event takes place on Friday 27th October at 7pm and is free to attend.

The Times BFI London Film Festival 2006 takes place at venues across London from Wednesday 18th October – Thursday 2nd November 2006. For further information and tickets click here.

Information on the 2007 festival will be available shortly. Check back soon for more details.