Black History Month Films: 8 Essential Picks from LFF 2026

What does it mean to see your community reflected on screen? As the London Film Festival marks its 70th year, and UK Black History Month takes “honouring our communities” as its theme, contributor Latoya Austin goes through the programme to find the films telling stories from across the Black diaspora. From a Nigerian reimagining of Mrs Dalloway to Ava DuVernay’s follow-up to 13th, these are eight films worth adding to your watchlist.

Amongst the festivities of independent films and Hollywood style galas that occur during London’s film festival, there are a treasure trove of films to discover that represent the black diaspora. Each year, London Film Festival (‘LFF’) occurs during October which coincides with the annual celebrations and events to discover in celebration of the UK’s Black History Month. 

As this year’s film festival is its 70^th anniversary, taking place 7-18 October 2026, we have plunged deep into its programme to find some films that we’re excited to watch as a Black History Month celebration. This year’s Black History Month theme is ‘honouring our communities’ which also resonates with the sense that films can represent our communities and also bring them together as a collective to watch films.

In no particular order, here are eight films featuring in the LFF programme that sound intriguing to us and will hopefully inspire you to seek them out to add to your film watch list as part of this month’s Black History Month focus.

Marie Madeleine

As Marie and Joseph are the names of the main characters, within this tale from Haitian actor/ director Gessica Généus, this sounds like a tale that would reference biblical scenes and equally be told in epic chapters. The film’s premise concerns a sex worker who befriends a preacher’s son despite being polar opposites. As you can imagine, their connection causes a commotion within the community they inhabit!

Clarissa

Starring Sophie Okonedo in a Nigerian set re-enactment of Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway, there is the examination of societal expectations of class.  Sophie is luminous as the titular character, in this love letter to Lagos. With a stellar ensemble cast, this is the sophomore feature for the directors Arie and Chuko Esiri and is full of simmering tension.

Tutu

This documentary provides an insight into the life of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his constant battle to remove apartheid during his tenure in South Africa. Director Sam Pollard is bound to provide a humane direction and will also be the Jury President for the 2026 London Film Festival.

I Love Boosters

Boots Riley’s zany, in your face follow up to Sorry to Bother You is a must see! Focusing on the feminine voice, on this occasion, within a group of ‘boosters’ who decide to rebel against an aggressive fashion designer played by Demi Moore, there are laughs a plenty as well as providing food for thought. This is a vibrant, colourful take on the world of fashion aficionados.

14th 

Following the powerful 13^th, this is the latest documentary by Ava DuVernay tackling the background and impact of the 14^th amendment with US constitutional history. There is no doubt that this spiritual sequel will be an impactful watch during Black History Month.

Animol

This is renowned actor Ashley Walters’ directorial debut and provides that behind the scenes viewpoint from the moment of arrival at a youth correctional institution. Meeting the right people, for our young protagonist, at this entrypoint, can assist with making the adjustment seem seamless. However, the question is whether two people that Troy meets will help him to thrive and not just survive or else be a bad influence during his time in prison. Animol sounds to be very gripping and exciting and we can’t wait to see what Ashley Walters has in store for us all.

Ben’Imana

Set in Rwanda during a period following the traumatic genocide, director Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo explores the transformation created by the opening of dialogues between impacted communities of survivors. Ben’Imana is a nominee within the First Feature Competition at LFF and was the winner of the Camera D’Or within the Un Certain Regard category at Cannes film festival. This film is bound to invokes reflection but also sounds as though it may be a powerful tool to assist with collective healing.

Once Upon a Time in Harlem

This might be our final choice referenced but it is a film that we have been eagerly anticipating following its premiere, earlier in the year, at Sundance film festival. This film was 50 years in the making and is likely to contain a treasure trove of experiences providing that immersion within intimate gatherings during the 1970s Harlem musical scene. Taking place during a cocktail party, this documentary is undoubtedly an exciting fly on the wall perspective of key members and activity that were part of the Harlem Renaissance. This will be a monumental time capsule that we can’t wait to watch!

We hope that the above list has inspired you to discover more of the black cinema programming during this year’s Black History Month at London Film Festival.

There are more films by black filmmakers and artists to explore in the programme: https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/

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