BFI Southbank facts for kids
BFI Southbank is a special movie theater in the UK. It shows classic films, independent movies, and films from other countries. It used to be called the National Film Theatre from 1951 to 2007. The British Film Institute runs it. Forbes magazine even called its biggest cinema, NFT1, "one of the crown jewels of the London film scene." This means it's a very important and impressive place for movies in London!
A Look Back: How BFI Southbank Started
The National Film Theatre first opened in 1951. It was in a temporary building called the Telecinema during the Festival of Britain. This festival was a big event to celebrate British achievements.
In 1957, the cinema moved to its current spot. It opened for the very first BFI London Film Festival on October 16, 1957. Later, the Southbank Centre and the Royal National Theatre built their buildings nearby. A second movie screen was added on September 21, 1970.
In 1988, a new building was built next door. It was for the Museum of the Moving Image. This museum was all about films and how they are made. It had its own entrance and was separate from the cinema. The museum closed in 1999.
On March 14, 2007, the National Film Theatre got a big makeover! It reopened as BFI Southbank. It took over the space that the museum used to have. When it reopened, it had three cinemas and a new small cinema called "the studio." It also added a médiathèque, which is a place where you can watch films and videos. There was also a modern art gallery for moving images, a shop, and a bar and restaurant.
BFI Southbank is also the main place for the BFI Flare: London LGBTIQ+ Film Festival. This is a special film festival that celebrates diverse stories. In 2023, Forbes magazine once again praised NFT1, calling it a "crown jewel" of London's film world.
Where It Is and What It Looks Like
BFI Southbank is located right under the southern end of Waterloo Bridge. It's part of a group of cultural buildings on the South Bank of the River Thames in London.
Inside, you'll find three cinemas and a studio space. There are also cafes and areas for exhibitions. The large bar area in the foyer sometimes hosts small performances too.
The original National Film Theatre was designed by Norman Engleback. He was an architect working for the London County Council.
In 2022, the architects who redesigned the entrance received awards. These awards were from the Royal Institute of British Architects. They loved the design, especially the "grand canopy of cast fibreglass." It "glows boldly like a cinema screen," making it look very cool!
