Film festivals across the UK will be part of a new £4.5 million drive to raise the profile of British film and give people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to see more films, meet filmmakers, and enjoy the world of film, Culture Secretary James Purnell announced today.
The UK Film Council is making available £1.5 million a year of National Lottery money over three years to help fund up to two festivals which have a national and international standing and up to eight festivals which are of national significance.
The money will be channelled into two funding streams:
- £1.25 million a year for three years to film festivals of major international and national significance which aim to support new talent and showcase films internationally; and
- £250,000 a year for three years for up to eight festivals of national significance which will give UK audiences access to a richer, more exciting and diverse film experience.
This initiative follows the UK Film Council’s consultation with the film industry earlier this year on its future funding and policy priorities. There was widespread demand for more funding for film festivals to help them achieve their potential and offer more opportunities for people across the UK to access and enjoy the world of film.
