19th May 2012
BFI Funding Slashed
31st October 2010
The British Film Institute (BFI) is the latest public
organisation to feel the sharp edge of the UK coalition
government's budget cuts.
The grant that it receives from the Department for Culture Media
and Sport will be reduced by 15% over the next four years.
The news will be a blow to the troubled British movie industry,
which will soon have the UK Film Council, another financial
lifeline, also shut down.
Known for supporting several feature films, TV programmes and
video projects, the BFI is also famed for organising the much
respected London Film Festival.
According to media reports, the move will see the institute lose
more than £2 million from its £16 million annual budget.
Additionally, job losses at the BFI Southbank centre are probable.
As well as hosting festivals, the centre manages archives of UK
films, operates cinemas, publishes respected film magazines, and
offers filmmaking assistance.
"The UK is envied the world over for its film industry and its vibrant film culture and the BFI is at the heart of this," the institute said in a statement. "Over recent months, we have carefully been looking at the best options to protect our staff and all key activities, but the reality is that the BFI will have to change shape and re-scale considerably over the next 12-18 months."
Photography by John Wright - Paloma Faith