BFI Southbank
There is no better place to feel part of screen history than at the iconic BFI Southbank.
We offer private screening room hire in our central London auditoriums – where many famous movie moments first screened in the UK – offering theatre-style seating for between 38 and 450 guests.
Each of our cinema screens has a corresponding reception area for hire, and if you pair NFT1 with the stunning Riverfront and its Terrace, you get the benefit of stylish outdoor space overlooking the Thames.
Clients tell us they keep coming back because of the expertise of our technical support, the commitment of our event coordination team and the flexibility the building offers with branding opportunities.
Contact the Southbank events team or telephone 020 7849 4461 to tell us about your event and how we can help.
BFI Stephen Street
BFI Stephen Street is home to two incredible screening rooms, each seating 36 guests.
The space is perfect for intimate screenings, technical checks, industry rushes, and interviews and filming requiring a cinematic backdrop on a small budget.
Available by the hour, half- or full-day, as well as by evening, we can play formats from DCP to 16mm film.
What can be screened at the BFI
We can screen any title, including your own film, but films owned by third parties will need to have screening rights cleared.
Screening rights may incur a cost, as might the hire of a suitable print of the film to screen.
For a list of titles the BFI holds take a look at the BFI distribution catalogue.
Please note, we cannot hire out spaces to clients for public screenings. All private auditorium hire at the BFI must be for private audiences.
How to book
BFI Stephen Street can accommodate very short notice bookings, including same-day.
Email stephenstreetevents@bfi.org.uk or telephone 020 7957 4777.
For daytime bookings at BFI Southbank we recommend at least one month’s notice and evening hires require at least five months’ notice.
Contact the Southbank events team or telephone 020 7849 4461.
Rates and charges
Venue hire charges differ depending on which space you require, how long you need the space for and the specific requirements of your event. Please use our contact form to get a quote for your event.
All rates include:
• the use of the in-house AV equipment
• the assistance of a BFI Events Coordinator
• a projectionist
NFT1, NFT2 and NFT3 bookings include an usher.
We can also quote for additions such as a cloakroom and cloakroom staff, and additional security should they be required. All catering enquiries and ordering are dealt with by Benugo at BFI Southbank and by Stephen St Kitchen at BFI Stephen Street.