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.
Peterloo
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 London
Drama201789 minsDirector: Steve McLean
A stylish, sexy film about a young man’s journey into an unusual form of escort work.
Yardie
Crime2018102 minsDirector: Idris Elba
In his thrilling directorial debut, Idris Elba brings to life Victor Headley’s cult crime novel.
Apostasy
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.
Arcadia
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 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 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.
Beast
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 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 Country
Drama2017105 minsDirector: Francis Lee
A troubled young sheep farmer falls for a hired hand in this stunning debut from Francis Lee.
Dark 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 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.