Rentals
Backed by BFI
From the Free Cinema movement to today’s Lottery Film Fund, this collection is a selection of titles made by outstanding talent, and supported by UK public money.
British filmmakers have been supported by the BFI for over 60 years. The results have been distinct, engaging, diverse and original. This channel highlights some of them, from the early works of modern masters to the first films of an emerging generation. What unites them is an instinct to astonish.
XY ChelseaXY Chelsea
Documentary201894 minsDirector: Tim Travers Hawkins
Telling the historic story of whistleblower Chelsea Manning; the journey of her fight for survival and dignity, and her transition from prisoner to a free woman.
ColetteColette
Biopic2017112 minsDirector: Wash Westmoreland
This witty, Belle Époque-era biopic stars Keira Knightley and Dominic West as literary couple Colette and Willy, whose relationship rewrote social and gender rules.
The SouvenirThe Souvenir
Drama2018120 minsDirector: Joanna Hogg
Winner of Sundance 2019's Grand Jury Prize, The Souvenir is the compelling, semi-autobiographical drama from acclaimed writer-director Joanna Hogg.
High LifeHigh Life
Science Fiction2018113 minsDirector: Claire Denis
The messiness of sex, the mysteries of birth and the moving spectacle of devoted parenting in the face of impending oblivion create a potent atmosphere in Claire Denis’ English-language debut.
PeterlooPeterloo
Drama2017154 minsDirector: Mike Leigh
Mike Leigh orchestrates a superb ensemble cast in this rousing tale of working class uprising and its violent suppression in Manchester in 1819.
Postcards from LondonPostcards from London
Drama201789 minsDirector: Steve McLean
A stylish, sexy film about a young man’s journey into an unusual form of escort work.
YardieYardie
Crime2018102 minsDirector: Idris Elba
In his thrilling directorial debut, Idris Elba brings to life Victor Headley’s cult crime novel.
ApostasyApostasy
Drama201795 minsDirector: Dan Kokotajlo
A deeply religious family must decide whether to stick by their relation or abandon her, in this striking debut from Daniel Kokotajlo - a prizewinner at BFI London Film Festival 2017.
ArcadiaArcadia
Documentary201779 minsDirector: Paul Wright
A folk horror wrapped up in an archive film, set to a soundtrack by Adrian Utley (Portishead) and Will Gregory (Goldfrapp).
Lean on PeteLean on Pete
Drama2017122 minsDirector: Andrew Haigh
The ravishing fourth feature from Andrew Haigh (45 Years, Weekend) sees a boy and a horse embark on a Huckleberry Finn-esque journey across America in search of home.
You Were Never Really HereYou Were Never Really Here
Thriller201790 minsDirector: Lynne Ramsay
Lynne Ramsay journeys with Joaquin Phoenix into the mind of an ex-soldier gun-for-hire whose own demons are as brutal as the actions of his adversaries.
BeastBeast
Drama2017106 minsDirector: Michael Pearce
The hunt for a Jersey serial killer sparks a dangerous awakening in a young woman in this astonishing psycho-sexual thriller, which sets all the senses aflame.
Two for JoyTwo for Joy
Drama201890 minsDirector: Tom Beard
A visceral, moving exploration of one British family's life following a tragedy, starring Samantha Morton, Daniel Mays and Billie Piper.
God's Own CountryGod's Own Country
Drama2017105 minsDirector: Francis Lee
A troubled young sheep farmer falls for a hired hand in this stunning debut from Francis Lee.
Dark RiverDark River
Drama201689 minsDirector: Clio Barnard
Clio Barnard follows The Selfish Giant and The Arbor with this searing and eloquent Yorkshire-set drama exploring the fragility of familial relationships.
Lady MacbethLady Macbeth
Period drama201689 minsDirector: William Oldroyd
Florence Pugh shines in this exceptional British debut of a young wife's need for freedom, whatever the cost.
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Features
21st Century British Cinema is in rude health. Internationally acclaimed, with success at festivals and the box office, the BFI is proud to support the breathtaking range of the UK’s filmmaking talent.
Shorts
Skill and vision fuel the best short films, as these early experiments from revered directors illustrate.
Documentaries
Fresh perspectives on familiar themes give a new relevance, as proven by our choice of the best in modern documentaries.