The British Film Institute (BFI) is a leading organization for film culture in the UK, known for its festivals, cinema venues, film archive, and educational resources. For dedicated film enthusiasts, a BFI membership can offer exclusive access to screenings, events, and discounts. But with various membership tiers and competing film subscription services, you may be wondering: is a BFI membership really worth the cost? In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down what a BFI membership offers, weigh the pros and cons, and help you decide if it’s a worthwhile investment for your film-loving needs.
What Does a BFI Membership Include?
BFI offers several membership tiers with varying benefits and prices. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:
- BFI Fan (£37/year):
- Priority booking for BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX screenings
- Discounts on BFI Southbank tickets and events
- Access to members-only events and previews
- Subscription to Sight & Sound magazine
- BFI Member (£75/year):
- All benefits of BFI Fan membership
- Free tickets to BFI Southbank matinee screenings (Mon-Thu)
- Larger discounts on BFI Southbank tickets and events
- 15% discount at BFI Shop and BFI Player
- Invitations to exclusive members’ events and screenings
- BFI Champion (£150/year):
- All benefits of BFI Member
- Free tickets to all BFI Southbank screenings (excluding festivals)
- Complimentary BFI Player subscription
- Invitations to exclusive BFI Patrons events
- Recognition in BFI Annual Review
All memberships also include discounts at partner cinemas across the UK and regular e-newsletters with film news and programming updates.
Pros of a BFI Membership
For the right type of film lover, a BFI membership can offer several valuable benefits:
- Discounted and free cinema tickets: If you frequently attend screenings at BFI Southbank or other partner cinemas, the ticket discounts and free matinee offers can add up to significant savings over time.
- Priority booking: Members get early access to book tickets for popular BFI Southbank screenings and events, which can be a major perk for sold-out shows or festivals like the BFI London Film Festival.
- Exclusive events and screenings: BFI members are invited to special previews, Q&As, and other events not open to the general public. These can offer unique opportunities to engage with filmmakers, actors, and other industry professionals.
- Subscription to Sight & Sound: The BFI’s renowned film magazine offers in-depth articles, reviews, and essays on cinema history and culture. An annual subscription is included with all membership levels.
- Supporting film culture: By becoming a BFI member, you’re directly supporting the organization’s efforts to preserve, promote, and educate about film heritage in the UK. For passionate film lovers, this philanthropic aspect can be a meaningful benefit.
Cons of a BFI Membership
While a BFI membership offers several perks, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Limited geographic relevance: Many of the core BFI membership benefits, like free tickets and discounts, are focused on the BFI Southbank cinema in London. If you don’t live near London or visit frequently, these perks may be less valuable.
- Cost vs. usage: The value of a BFI membership depends heavily on how often you take advantage of the benefits. If you only attend a few screenings or events per year, the membership cost may not be justified compared to buying individual tickets.
- Competing streaming services: With the rise of film streaming platforms like Criterion Channel, MUBI, and BFI Player, some film lovers may prefer the convenience and selection of online viewing over in-person cinema visits.
- Niche programming: While the BFI is known for showcasing a diverse range of films, its programming tends to focus on arthouse, independent, and classic cinema. If your tastes lean more mainstream or blockbuster, a BFI membership may not align as well with your viewing preferences.
Alternative Options for Film Lovers
If you’re unsure about committing to a BFI membership, there are several other ways to explore your love of film:
- BFI Player: The BFI’s own streaming platform offers a curated selection of classic and contemporary films, with rental and subscription options.
- Criterion Channel: A popular streaming service for film enthusiasts, featuring a constantly rotating selection of arthouse, international, and classic films.
- MUBI: Another curated streaming platform that offers a new hand-picked film every day, with a focus on independent and world cinema.
- Local independent cinemas: Many cities have independent or arthouse cinemas that offer unique film programming and events without requiring a membership.
- Film societies and clubs: Joining a local film society or club can offer opportunities to watch and discuss films with like-minded enthusiasts, often at a lower cost than a formal membership.
While these options may not provide the same level of exclusive access or benefits as a BFI membership, they can still offer rich and rewarding ways to engage with film culture.
Cancel Your British Film Institute Membership with Unsubby
If you’ve tried a BFI membership and decide it’s not worth the ongoing cost for your needs, cancelling can sometimes be a hassle. Navigating the cancellation process on your own may involve long phone queues or confusing online forms.
That’s where Unsubby comes in – a service that specializes in cancelling subscriptions like BFI quickly and easily on your behalf.
To cancel your British Film Institute membership with Unsubby:
- Sign up for a free Unsubby account
- Select British Film Institute from their list of supported services
- Provide a few details about your BFI membership
- Let Unsubby take care of the rest
Unsubby will handle the entire cancellation process with BFI, so you don’t have to deal with any back-and-forth or chasing up. Once your cancellation is confirmed, you’ll receive a notification from Unsubby.
Using Unsubby is a great way to save time and hassle when you need to cancel British Film Institute membership or any other unwanted subscriptions.
Conclusion
A British Film Institute membership can be a valuable investment for dedicated film lovers, offering benefits like discounted tickets, exclusive events, a Sight & Sound subscription, and opportunities to support film culture. However, the cost and relevance of a BFI membership depend on factors like geographic access, frequency of use, and personal film taste.
Before committing to a membership, consider your budget, viewing habits, and how often you’ll realistically take advantage of the BFI’s offerings. If you’re unsure, you may want to explore alternative options like film streaming services, independent cinemas, or film clubs to engage with your love of movies.
And if you do sign up for a BFI membership but later decide it’s not worth the ongoing cost, remember that you can use Unsubby to quickly and painlessly cancel your subscription.
Whether through a BFI membership or other channels, there are many rich and rewarding ways to explore your passion for film. Consider your options and choose the path that best fits your needs, interests, and budget as a film lover.
