BFI NFT3 Southampton

BFI Southbank the UK’s national cinematheque

BFI Southbank is the UK’s national cinematheque and one of the few surviving cinemas regularly showing films in 35mm and 70mm. With a unique programme of seasons, talks, premieres, festivals, and one-off events, BFI Southbank has the world’s biggest names in film in venue and on stage every month. It is owned and operated by the BFI (British Film Institute).

BFI Southbank is situated below the southern end of Waterloo Bridge, forming part of the cultural complex on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. As well as its four cinemas, the site is also home to the BFI Reuben Library, the biggest film library in the world, the BFI Shop, and BFI Mediatheque which offers free access to thousands of film and TV titles, many from the BFI National Archive. It is also one of the most buzzing venues on the South Bank, where film and culture lovers come together in their mutual love of cinema.

Forbes called its largest cinema, NFT1, "one of the crown jewels of the London film scene".

In 2023, cinema 3, called NFT3, underwent substantial refurbishment works, to improve the comfort of the seating area and its accessibility.

For the occasion, Ferco manufactured and installed a total of 108nos Paragon 588 seats. For greater inclusivity and flexibility of the space, 3 sets of 3 and 2 sets of 2 removable seats were installed in the front row.

The armchairs were finished in a beautiful autumnal colour scheme by Sunbury Design, a quality velvet that gives the room a special character.

*Images by Davis Jenson