18/03/2014 - New project committed to expanding the film culture across London and boosting film audiences

Film London has launched Film Hub, a new initiative committed to expanding film culture across the whole of London and boosting film audiences. The British Film Institute (BFI) has granted £800,000 over four years towards the initiative. The Community Screen Scheme is the Hub’s first funding scheme and aims to reach new and underserved audiences in their local areas. Ten grants of £3,000 have been awarded to community groups to develop sustainable screening activity.

Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission said, “Officially launching the Hub with over 100 members demonstrates the sheer ambition of organisations to broaden the film offer for Londoners, which is hugely encouraging. Working with the smallest community groups through to the commercial cinema chains allows us to do something really special with film culture in London, significantly growing audiences by delivering inclusive, imaginative and engaging screening activity.”

Eddie Berg, Director of Partnerships for the BFI said. “We are excited to break new ground in enabling a whole range of partners who are already experts at understanding their local and regional audiences to work together for the first time as a network to the benefit of audiences and film-makers.”

Film London also unveiled the Hub’s inaugural Made in London programme, which will showcase archival films that celebrate the city’s heritage and provide a unique insight into how much London has changed in the last century.