Past Lives is a 2023 Oscar-nominated film set between Seoul and New York City, directed by Celine Song. It follows two adults, Nora and Hae Sung, who are reunited for a week after a close childhood friendship that was driven apart by Nora's move to another continent. 20 years later, the film explores their relationship and attempt to rekindle their bond, and the impact of fate and destiny on their love.
We will provide an opportunity for the audience to reflect on their past lives, celebrating their past or how far they have come, with a mirror where you can add advice to your past and future selves.
Missed Connections Double Bill | Friday 14 August
Our BFI Young Programmers have paired Past Lives with My Favourite Cake as part of Double Take Festival 2026.
Curated by our BFI Young Programmers, Missed Connections explores relationships and opportunities that we have missed for various reasons, whether they are out of our control, determined by our past or objections that are embedded in society. This includes learning to accept past connections that we have missed or can't have and focus on new experiences.
"Past Lives makes you think more about the people you meet and how there is always a reason for being there with them. Reconnection never leads to regret and it is okay to want things we can't have.
We chose this film because it gives thought to the topic and builds our reflection on connections we may have missed and fate that brings us back together."
15.00 - My Favourite Cake (15)
18.00 - Past Lives (15)
Double Take Festival 2026
Are you ready to see your favourite films through new eyes? Enjoy five days of double bills curated by 30 talented 16–19-year-olds from this year's BFI Film Academy Specialist Residential: Programming.
Our BFI Young Programmers invite you to think further with their classic film pairings, alongside live events from drag bingo to quizzes, special menus and much more.
Tickets and Prices
Save when you book both features in the double bill! While we suggest watching each set of films together as part of a double bill, tickets can be purchased separately.
Individual Screening Ticket Prices
On peak tickets are £12 (£10 concession). Off peak tickets are £10 (£8 concession)*.
CINE26 tickets: 16-26 year olds can access £6 tickets anytime with a free CINE26 membership.
Community tickets: All tickets to screenings in our Community Strand are £5.
Save with a Showroom Cinema Membership: Skip the £1.50 online booking fee and enjoy further discounts on Marilyn at 100 screenings. Save £1 on tickets as a Superior and Standard Members or 15% (up to £1.80) as a Flex Member. Sign up to a membership today from just £4.99 per month.
*On peak applies Mon-Fri after 5pm, and all day Saturday and Sunday. Concessions includes claimants, under 16s, students, over 60s, and Blue Light cardholders.
Double Bill Ticket Prices
Add both films in a double bill to your basket to get an automatic discount:
Adult: £18 per double bill (saving £4)
60+: £16 per double bill (saving £8)
Showroom Members: £12 per double bill (saving £10)
CINE26: £10 per double bill (saving £12)
Showroom Members including CINE26 must be logged into their account for the discount to apply. The Showroom Member discount applies to Superior, Standard, Flex and Supporter memberships.
Explore Double Take Festival 2026
Director Celine Song
Year 2023
Duration
1h 46m
Language English, Korean with English subtitles
Cast Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro