25/11/2013 - Underserved cinema communities to benefit from expanded touring cinema reach thanks to the BFI Neighbourhood Cinema Fund

The British Film Institute (BFI) has launched a Neighbourhood Cinema programme, worth up to £2 million over the next four years (2013-17). Aimed at supporting the many communities in the UK who are unable to enjoy a cinema experience due to geographic, social, or economic circumstances, the BFI Neighbourhood Fundwill boost audience choice and bring new film experiences to UK communities, no matter where they live.

For phase one, which runs from February 2014 to January 2015, the BFI has allocated up to £300,000 to support these operators through the BFI Neighbourhood Cinema Fund. This will support new and existing touring cinema operators to bring community cinema activity, including film screenings and events, training for staff and volunteers and the licensing of films for exhibition, to areas without easy access to cinemas. 

Tim Cagney, Deputy CEO of the BFI said, “We want to encourage people to build a lifelong relationship with film, to boost audiences for a diverse range of films and ensure that film culture can be accessed and enjoyed by everyone, regardless of where they live. Building on the valuable work of the community cinema sector and organisations including the British Federation of Film Societies, the launch of BFI Neighbourhood Cinema marks an exciting stage in the roll out of Film Forever further helping communities across the length and breadth of the UK to enjoy the richness of the cinematic experience.”