21/10/2011

In order to tide over the interim period while the UK government readies its Film Policy Review and the British Film Institute (BFI) prepares its own Forward Plan for Film, the BFI is ensuring that funds are immediately available to promote British film and talent internationally.

The support will extend to the British industry participating in 2012 festivals including Sundance (January), Berlin (February) and Cannes (May). Further, the BFI has sanctioned transition funding to Film Export UK to ensure a strong presence at 2012’s Filmart Hong Kong and Berlin’s European Film Market. The BFI is already supporting the current Film London Production Finance market at the ongoing London Film Festival.

Amanda Nevill, CEO BFI said, “Ahead of us we have major international markets and the awards seasons and it is crucially important that the BFI supports the industry now in this transitional period. Going forward we will be developing an international strategy as one of the key priorities in the BFI’s five year Forward Plan for Film, which launches next year, informed by the recommendations from the Review of Film Policy.”

Chris Smith, who is chairing the Independent Review of Film Policy, said, “Enhancing the promotion of British films and talent around the world – especially in new emerging markets like India and China – is imperative if we are to build on the current success of our film industry. Let’s give this every bit of support we can.”