James R | On 04, Feb 2021

BFI Player, the BFI’s streaming platform, is a gateway to global film, offering a collection of arthouse and world cinema to subscribers, alongside its pay-per-view rental releases and free archive titles and silent movie shorts.

The BFI postponed its planned David Bowie season at the start of 2021, but it’s kicking off a run of online festivals this month with its BFI Future Film Festival (BFI Flare will then take place virtually in March).

Here’s what’s coming to BFI Player’s subscription service in February 2021:

BFI at Home: The Dig – 1st February

BFI Director of Festivals Tricia Tuttle continues the BFI’s series of free YouTube talks, interviewing director Simon Stone, producer Gabrielle Tana and actors Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes about their new Netflix film The Dig.

Mogul Mowgli – 5th February

British Pakistani rapper Zed (Riz Ahmed) is a rising star on the cusp of his first world tour. But, struck down by an illness that threatens to derail his big break, he’s forced to confront his past, his family and the uncertainty of his legacy. Directed by Bassam Tariq, the result is a powerful, gripping drama that’s one of the most exciting movies of the past year. After its digital release, this is a subscription exclusive for BFI Player.

World of Wong Kar-wai – 8th February

With his lush and sensual visuals, pitch-perfect soundtracks, and soulful romanticism, Wong Kar-wai has established himself as one of the defining auteurs of contemporary cinema. This retrospective of the Hong Kong master filmmaker, features seven brand-new 4K restorations, five of which have been overseen by Wong Kar-wai himself. The films are As Tears Go By, Days of Bein Wild, Chunking Express, Fallen Angels, Happy Together, In the Mood for Love and 2014. The films will be available to rent, as part of a collaboration with London’s ICA. For more details, see here.

BFI Future Film Festival – 18th February

The 14th edition of the BFI Future Film Festival takes place online on BFI Player. This year’s Festival, which is aimed at aspiring filmmakers aged 16 to 25, will be completely free of charge. As well as the chance to watch 45 films (chosen from more than 1m000 filmmakers worldwide) it enables young people from all over the UK to also benefit from masterclasses and talks from the best in the business. The festival runs until 21st February. Click here for more.

Love Child – Out Now

Desperate to start a new life, Sahand and Leila flee their native Iran for fear of the death penalty. After their infidelity they, and their child Mani, are stuck in bureaucratic limbo, waiting to be allowed to live. Straining to keep themselves together in front of their young child, the film is a powerful and unique look at the experience of asylum seekers.

Lucky Grandma – Out Now

A crafty Coen-esque black comedy about an elderly widow who inadvertently steals from the Chinese mob and subsequently takes on the gangs to secure her fortune.

 

A BFI Player subscription costs £4.99 a month, with a 14-day free trial.

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