The 70th BFI London Film Festival (LFF) (7th to 18th October 2026) has confirmed a landmark line-up of Screen Talks celebrating some of the most influential Black voices working in film and television today. See our comprehensive guide to Black cinema at LFF here.
Ava DuVernay, Mahershala Ali, Cynthia Erivo and Naomi Ackie will each take to the stage at BFI Southbank to reflect on their careers, creative process and the industry they’ve helped reshape. Offering festival goers a rare, in-depth look behind performances and projects that have defined the last two decades of cinema.
A Milestone for Representation on the Festival Stage
Screen Talks give audiences the chance to hear directly from the artists behind some of the industry’s most acclaimed work, and this year’s programme places Black creative excellence firmly at its centre.
The four talks trace a broad and vital picture of what Black storytelling looks like across generations, genres and mediums. From DuVernay’s unflinching examinations of race and justice in American life, to Ali’s genre-spanning performances, Erivo’s command of stage and screen, and Ackie’s rapid rise as one of Britain’s most versatile young actors.
For an industry still working to close longstanding gaps in visibility and opportunity, platforming these voices at one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals sends a clear signal that these are central to contemporary cinema, not peripheral to it.
Where to catch the talks
The following talks will take place at BFI Southbank and Curzon Soho Cinema.
Ava DuVernay
Monday 12th October 2026 13:30 BFI Southbank, Screen NFT1
The Emmy, BAFTA, Sundance and Peabody Award-winning director, writer and producer will discuss a career built on socially conscious storytelling. From the family adventure A Wrinkle in Time to the searing drama Selma and the Oscar-nominated documentary 13th, alongside her recent feature Origin.
Mahershala Ali
Saturday 17th October 2026 12:30, Curzon Soho Cinema, Screen 1
A BAFTA winner and two-time Oscar winner, Ali will reflect on a career that spans nearly two decades, including his early roles in House of Cards and Free State of Jones. His breakout, award-winning performance in Moonlight, and celebrated screen roles in Green Book, True Detective and Leave the World Behind.
Cynthia Erivo
Monday 12th October 2026 15:45, BFI Southbank, Screen NFT1
Erivo, a Tony winner, two-time Grammy winner, Emmy winner and three-time Academy Award nominee, will discuss her journey from Broadway’s The Color Purple, where she won a Tony Award, to the screen, including Bad Times at the El Royale, and her three Academy Award nominated performances in Harriet and Wicked.
Naomi Ackie
Saturday 10th October 2026 10:30, Curzon Soho Cinema, Screen 1
Since her breakout performance in Lady Macbeth, where she received a Most Promising Actress BIFA, Ackie has built a striking and varied filmography. She received an Independent Spirit Award in Sorry Baby, lit up audiences hearts as the comical Bonnie in The End of the F**ing World* and made a powerful impression in Education, the fifth part of Steve McQueen’s Small Axe series. Recent performances include, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Blink Twice and Mickey 17.
How to Book
General ticket sales open on 17 September 2026, but BFI Members and BFI Patrons can book now.
Ava DuVernay: Monday 12 October 2026 13:30 BFI Southbank
Cynthia Erivo: Monday 12 October 2026 15:45, BFI Southbank
Mahershala Ali: Saturday 17 October 2026 12:30 Curzon Soho Cinema
Naomi Ackie: Saturday 10 October 2026 10:30, Curzon Soho Cinema
Can’t be in the room? Catch up on Screen Talks on BFI Player and BFI YouTube.
Need more information on the wider programme of Black Cinema at 70th London Film Festival? Reference our Guide here.
Visit the BFI Website for further links and information