08/07/2013 - Film agency asked to identify a further 5% contingency

The British Film Institute (BFI) has reacted strongly at the Department of Culture Media and Sport’s decision to cut its resource funding by 10% and being asked to identify a possible further 5% contingency, while in the same breath being asked to expand its scope of activities.

The BFI released a statement condemning this decision. Excerpts.

“As a national cultural body, which is also the catalyst for the growth of the film industry, we are shocked that film has not been protected alongside the UK’s other national arts bodies and museums.

The Secretary of State’s statement on the DCMS website recognises the ‘huge contribution’ made by the organisations she is protecting with a 5% cut. But her decision not to include the BFI fails to acknowledge film’s multi-billion pound contribution to the economy, and instead puts film in the position of effectively subsidising other arts organisations.

 This is extremely disappointing and worrying for the film sector and audiences at a point where it is clear to those in and out of Government that film is playing an active and significant role in the UK’s economic recovery and is a vital contributor to our cultural life and international profile.

The idea of expanding the BFI’s activities is exciting but, at a point when we are facing a 10% cut, we cannot consider taking on these new activities at the expense of film.

We are in urgent discussions with the Minister with a set of proposals to mitigate some of the impact of these cuts. If these proposals aren’t achievable then the BFI will have no choice but to stop valuable front line activities and reduce support for partner organisations.”