Official Selection

The Official Selection is at the heart of the LIFF programme, an extensive representation of new filmmaking and diverse voices from around the world. Among the 42 selected features are some of the most talked about films of the year, prize-winners from Berlin, Cannes, and Venice film festivals, and 16 debuts from exciting new filmmaking talent.

LIFF 2021 opens on 3rd November with Pablo Larrain’s eagerly awaited Spencer, starring Kristen Stewart in a mesmerising performance as Princess Diana. Many more new films from some of the world’s leading filmmakers follow Spencer, including Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog), Paolo Sorrentino (The Hand of God), Mahamat-Saleh Haroun (Lingui, the Sacred Bonds), and Apichatpong Weerasethakul (Memoria). New British films are highlights throughout the LIFF 2021 programme and Official Selection includes Joanna Hogg’s The Souvenir: Part II and our closing film Ali & Ava, Clio Barnard’s acclaimed new drama filmed in Bradford.