03/10/2012 - Education, filmmaking and heritage to be priorities over the next five years

The British Film Institute (BFI) will invest £500 million over the next five years with a view to help drive industry growth, build audiences and a vibrant film culture and sow the seeds of the future in a new plan announced today. Film Forever: Supporting UK Film 2012-2017 outlines the BFI’s three key strategic priorities. Education and audiences will see an annual investment of £44.2m; British film and filmmaking £32.3m; and Film heritage with an investment of £9.9m per year. The scheme is being funded by a combination of Grant in Aid, the BFI’s earned income and National Lottery funding.

BFI Chair, Greg Dyke said, “With film industry growth currently outstripping the economy as a whole, we want to invest to ensure continued success. A central part of Film Forever is to nurture business growth and cultural vibrancy across the whole of the UK, with a particular emphasis outside London. This is a real moment for film and a bold long term vision for the sector and I look forward to us from today turning all the discussion into action.”

BFI CEO, Amanda Nevill said, “Film Forever is founded on a renewed commitment to the future – the future generation of audiences, the future generation of filmmakers and the opportunities presented by digital technologies. We are investing where we think we can most make a difference, where we see potential for creative excellence and where we can be the supportive catalyst for change, innovation, business growth and jobs.”

The plan is the result of 18 months of consultation with the UK and international film industry, cultural organisations, the public and Government.