BFI Southbank

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BFI Southbank

The used book sale in front of BFI Southbank

BFI Southbank (formerly known as the National Film Theatre) is a repertory cinema specialising in seasons of classic, independent and non-English language films and is operated by the British Film Institute. It is sited below the southern end of Waterloo Bridge, forming part of the cultural complex on the South Bank of the River Thames in London.

BFI Southbank was initially opened in a temporary building at the Festival of Britain in 1951 and moved to its present location in 1957, replacing the Thameside restaurant on the site. Subsequently, Southbank Centre expanded its buildings to meet the NFT from the south, while the Royal National Theatre now occupies the area to the north-east.

On 14th March, the National Film Theatre was relaunched as BFI Southbank, including the Studio, a Mediatheque, gallery space, a Filmstore and a new bar.