BFI London Film Festival 2026: A Deep Dive into 'Concrete' Themed Films

The 2026 BFI London Film Festival (LFF) showcases an intriguing and unexpectedly cohesive theme this year, with no less than three feature films prominently featuring the word 'concrete' in their titles. This marks a notable shift from previous years, which often highlighted animal-related themes, moving instead towards elemental and mineral inspirations. This thematic convergence has led to both amusing and thought-provoking discussions among festival programmers regarding the underlying significance of this shared motif in contemporary cinema.

Kristy Matheson, the artistic director for BFI Festivals and a key programmer for LFF, observed that this unexpected recurrence of 'concrete' in film titles suggests a deeper exploration of fundamental and raw aspects of existence within the selected works. She noted the stark differences in tone and subject matter among these films, despite their titular commonality, highlighting a collective impulse among filmmakers to engage with foundational elements. This thematic thread promises audiences a unique journey into diverse narratives, all linked by a material often taken for granted.

One of the highlighted films is Concrete Turned to Sand by Jessica Johnson and Ryan Ermacora. This documentary transports viewers to the oyster farms of British Columbia, Canada. Filmed on 35mm, the movie beautifully captures the intersection of human labor, scientific inquiry, and the natural world, all shaped by the relentless rhythms of ocean tides. Cinematographer Jeremy Cox, known for his work on Backrooms, lends his distinct, sometimes otherworldly visual style to this project. The filmmakers emphasize their collaboration with scientists to shed light on ocean acidification and its ecological ramifications, offering a perspective that spans geological time.

Another compelling entry is Concrete Land, the directorial debut of Asmahan Bkerat. This film presents an intimate, multi-generational portrayal of an Afro-Palestinian Bedouin family in Jordan, battling displacement, racial prejudice, and continuous hostility. The narrative delves into the resilience of familial bonds and the profound importance of 'home' in the face of adversity. Audiences are also treated to charming glimpses of the family's sheep. Bkerat expressed her intention for the film to challenge preconceived notions about Bedouin life, stressing that living in tents does not equate to poverty, and offering a rare look into a world seldom seen on screen.

Completing the trio is The History of Concrete by John Wilson, a filmmaker who has garnered a cult following for his HBO series, How to With John Wilson. In this film, Wilson ventures beyond his usual urban observations to explore the literal and metaphorical 'concrete jungle' of New York and beyond. True to his signature style, the documentary is imbued with wit and humor, transcending a mere examination of building materials. Wilson, who even attended a Hallmark movie workshop to refine his storytelling, applies his unique observational lens to a subject he once deemed 'unsexy'—concrete itself. His aim was to delve into the intrinsic qualities of the material, rather than its perceived austere or 'fascist beauty,' a perspective that ultimately earned his film a spot at LFF 2026.

The collection of these 'concrete' themed films at the BFI London Film Festival collectively offers a fascinating exploration of foundational elements, both literal and metaphorical. From environmental concerns in Canadian oyster farms to the struggles for home and identity in Jordan, and an idiosyncratic journey through urban landscapes, these films demonstrate a shared contemporary artistic inclination towards examining the fundamental structures that shape our world. This thematic emphasis provides a fresh and insightful perspective, moving beyond superficial appearances to unearth deeper meanings within seemingly ordinary subjects.