The 2025 British Film Festival Features Their Largest Program of Cinematic Goodness Yet

Celebrate the best of British cinema, from classic films to fresh new talent, as The British Film Festival returns to bring audiences great stories, amazing movies and a love of cinema.

Kim Petalas who worked for Palace Cinemas for 40 years as National programmer, started the British Film Festival. He retired from Palace in 2021 but owing to his passion for British cinema, has continued to program the festival.

The British Film Festival this year is the largest ever, with over 40 films including new releases, documentaries and retrospectives.

WWII drama The Choral which opens the film festival stars award-winning Ralph Fiennes, an actor whose most recent film was the 2024 political thriller Conclave.

“Ralph Fiennes is one of Britain’s most accomplished actors and directors and his body of work is immense. He has been nominated for three Academy Awards and not only is he a brilliant dramatic actor, but he has further increased his profile to a more mainstream audience with the Harry Potter and James Bond series,” explained Petalas.

The festival is bookended with two wonderful period pieces, the already mentioned The Choral on opening night and Hamnet the closing night film.

“Nobody does period dramas better than the Brits and the attention to detail in the costumes and set design is extraordinary.  There is also a fashion element to the festival with the wonderful documentary on Twiggy and Moss And Freud which focuses on the collaboration between supermodel Kate Moss and painter Lucian Freud.”

A film that should arouse interest at the festival is psychological drama Anemone, which follows a troubled recluse whose estranged brother arrives to convince him to come home and reunite with his family.

“This is a very powerful film with an extraordinary performance by Daniel Day-Lewis which he also directs. He’s back on the screen after an eight-year hiatus and has co-written the project with his son Ronan Day-Lewis.”

Fans of British comedian John Cleese who enjoyed his 70’s hit series Fawlty Towers will be delighted that a documentary surrounding his life and career is screening at the festival. John Cleese Packs It In should prove a favourite amongst audiences.

“John Cleese has an enormous fan base, and everybody will be entertained by this documentary. Not only is it comedic, but it shows a real side to John with his reckoning of time, his legacy and the public expectation of him,” enthused Petalas.

Actor Paul Mescal who has starred in several smaller films including All Of Us Strangers and most recently played the titular role in the Hollywood blockbuster Gladiator II, returns to the screen in The History Of Sound. This is a period romance drama that tells the story of two young men who meet at the New England Conservatory in 1917 and bond over their love of folk music.

“This is an incredible film with superb performances by Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor. It’s for audiences who appreciate discerning cinema and who also marvel at the period detail in this style of films. This is a standout at the festival, and I encourage audiences to embrace this film and see a wonderful actor at the top of his game.”

With the breathtaking scenery featured in so many films, the complex themes, social issues, British culture and genres ranging from period dramas to gritty realism and quirky comedies, there’s definitely a film for all tastes at this year’s British Film Festival.

British Film Festival 2025 program highlights

I Swear – tells the John Davidson’s inspiring true story of overcoming Tourette’s Syndrome with courage, humour and acceptance. A crowd-pleaser that should delight audiences.

Glenrothan – delves on the story of estranged brothers reuniting in Scotland, confronting their past and family whisky distillery legacy together. A beautiful family drama with enormous heart and soul.

Dead Of Winter – follows a detective investigating a murder that reopens old wounds and dark secrets in a small town. A chilling thriller starring festival favourite Emma Thompson who delivers another powerhouse performance.

The 2025 British Film Festival is on from Nov 5 – Dec 7 at Palace Cinemas.