2021 programme

The Architecture Film Festival London launches its third festival edition, running from June 2–27, 2021, offering a programme that fits personal spaces and shared fascinations without stealing needed offscreen time but rather enriching it. With this purpose in mind, the 2021 festival programme presents two sections: The International Film Competition and a collection of diverse, thematic screenings, essays and events entitled “Capsules.” 

The programme innovation for the 2021 version comes in the shape of the “Capsules” section, aiming to give space to many curatorial voices by freeing them from a single, binding festival theme. Each Capsule will follow a predefined format, including films, essays/articles, photography, drawing, interviews, etc. These capsules will combine quality content with reduced screen time and the possibility of enjoying offline content in a printable format.

Considering the UK and abroad’s current situation, this year’s festival programme will be held online, offering a combination of ticketed, free, and offline content.

The international film competition [OPEN CALL] received over 270 submissions from 40 countries worldwide, competing for awards in six categories, resulting in 18 shortlisted films featuring the festival programme. Awarded films will be announced in an online ceremony on June 25, 2021.

Film submissions addressed a variety of topics and visions where architecture played a central role, but particularly the role of housing, allowing us to offer a Capsule selection addressing the current global housing crisis, and opening the festival programme on June 2.

Opening film: PUSH (2019), June 2, 7–9:30 pm BST
In tandem with the opening film, a Q&A with Leilani Farha and the film’s director Fredrik Gertten.

[OPEN CALL] 2021, June 4–25
The international film competition features 18 shortlisted films in the festival programme.

Aalto Film + Q&A, June 4, 7–8pm BST
Aalto Film Q&A with director Virpi Suutari, Professor Harry Charrington and Charlotte Skene-Catling.

Peter Rice: An Engineer Imagines (2018), June 6, 7–8:30 pm BST
Capsule dedicated to Irish engineer Peter Rice, including the screening of An Engineer Imagines (2018).

The New Bauhaus (2019) UK Premiere, June 9, 7–9:30 pm BST
Film event with the UK premiere of The New Bauhaus (2019) and guests

The Temple of Bêka & Lemoine, June 12-13 & June 19-20
Capsule dedicated to Bêka & Lemoine featuring the UK premiere of Homo Urbanus (2018)

Closing film: Shelter Without Shelter (2020) world premiere, June 27, 7-9:30 pm BST

Film event and Q&A with film director Mark E Breeze & Tom Scott-Smith

The Architecture Film Festival London 2021 is made possible thanks to generous contributions made by our partners The Embassy of Switzerland in London; Arup; Arup Phase 2; The Finnish Institute in The UK and Ireland; Transfer Global Architecture Platform and The Japan Foundation London.

Our programme is also part of the LFA - 2021 London Festival of Architecture.