A galaxy far, far away has gotten just a little bit closer: George Lucas’ original 1977 theatrical cut of “Star Wars” is screening publicly for the first time in decades thanks to the BFI Film on Film Festival. “Star Wars” will open the 2025 festival June 12, as shown in a dye transfer Ib Technicolor print first produced for the initial British release (the print is preserved in the BFI National Archive).

Since the release of the Special Edition version in 1997 — updated with CGI effects, to the consternation of many fans, and even re-edited to include an additional scene with Jabba the Hutt confronting Han Solo — that version has been the only Lucasfilm has made available for screenings.

In addition to the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to view material from the original continuity script for “Star Wars,” which includes rare on-set Polaroids, annotations, and deleted scenes. The script is from the collection of Ann Skinner,...