19/09/2011

The British public wants to watch more British cinema according to a new British Film Institute (BFI) report. ‘Open Our Eyes: How film contributes to the culture of the UK’ was commissioned by the BFI and executed by Northern Alliance and Ipsos Media CT.

It is the first time in the UK that an in depth report has been done based on what the audience thinks, independent of experts, critics and polls. The key finding from those polled is that 88% strongly support British film and 78% are in favour of public funding for British filmmaking. Over 50% said that they were more likely to watch a film if it was British and in general, the feeling was that too few British films were shown in the UK across all media.

Paradoxically, though The King’s Speech [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Tom Hooper
film profile] was cited as having the most personal effect on people, 34% felt that there are too many films telling stories about rich and privileged people living in London and the Home Counties. It was also felt that too few films represent the inherent diversity in UK culture.

Overall, respondents rated interest in film higher than world news, sport, politics music, restaurants, pubs and clubs, theatre, literature, the countryside, museums, art and celebrities. Only news about the UK and television was rated higher than film.

BFI CEO Amanda Nevill said, “This report proves that film is at the heart of our cultural life. Understanding, appreciating and assessing its cultural contribution is essential to a forward-looking public policy and will guide our funding priorities for film. It gives us evidence of how powerful film is in today’s society, reinforcing how important access to it is and the need to continue to develop new talent and keep our industry vibrant.”