British Film Institute
In 1933, a group of film enthusiasts gathered to establish the British Film Institute. The institute began as a private company despite receiving public money from the Privy Council and Treasury until 1965. Its initial mandate focused on encouraging the development of film, television, and moving image arts throughout the United Kingdom. A report titled Film in National Life recommended its creation to promote these media as records of contemporary life and manners. The founders aimed to educate the public about the impact of cinema on society while establishing collections reflecting UK heritage. By 1935, the organization had already begun collecting films under what would later be called the National Film Library.
The BFI maintains the world's largest film archive today with over 50,000 fiction films and more than 100,000 non-fiction titles. Around 625,000 television programmes fill its holdings alongside documents featuring key actors and filmmakers' work. Originally named the National Film Library between 1935 and 1955, it became the National Film Archive before adopting its current name in 1993. Most items originate from Britain but include internationally significant materials from around the globe. In November 2016, officials announced plans to digitize over 100,000 television programs before their video tapes became unusable within five to six years. The goal remains ensuring the archive survives for two centuries into the future.
BFI Southbank and the BFI IMAX cinema sit on the south bank of the River Thames in London. The IMAX features the largest cinema screen in the UK equipped with 11,600 watts of digital surround sound technology. It shows popular recent releases while also screening short films that showcase advanced formats like IMAX 70mm and IMAX 3D. BFI Southbank presents critically acclaimed historical and specialized films often unavailable elsewhere. Each year the organization distributes archival and cultural cinema to more than 800 venues across the UK plus numerous overseas locations. A mediatheque opened during redevelopment in 2007 allowed public access free of charge to previously inaccessible treasures in the National Film & Television Archive.
Public money allocated by the Department for Culture Media and Sport represents the largest income source for the BFI. For the fiscal year 2021, 22 alone, the institute received £74.31 million as Grant-in-Aid funding from DCMS. Commercial activities such as ticket sales at BFI Southbank or the BFI London IMAX theatre contributed approximately £5 million in 2007. Additional grants totaling around £5 million come from sources including National Lottery funding private sponsors and donations. J. Paul Getty Jr., who died in 2003, left a legacy of roughly £1 million through his will. Since April 2011, the BFI has managed all Lottery funds for film originally exceeding £25 million annually and now surpassing £40 million per year.
In late 2012, the BFI secured funding from the Department for Education to launch the BFI Film Academy Network targeting young people aged between 16 and 25. A residential scheme occurs every year at the NFTS supporting media studies education across schools. The programme receives support from Creative Scotland Northern Ireland Screen and the National Lottery alongside government commitments of £1 million per annum from April 2012 until March 2015. These initiatives form part of the broader 5, 19 Education Scheme designed to teach film and media studies systematically. The network aims to foster new generations of filmmakers while preserving historical knowledge through structured learning environments.
George Sutherland-Leveson-Gower served as the first chair from 1933 to 1936 before Sir Charles Cleland took over briefly in 1937. Lord Attenborough led the organization from 1981 to 1992 followed by Jeremy Thomas who held the position until 1997. Greg Dyke chaired the institute from 2007 to 2016 during a period when the UK Film Council attempted to absorb its functions. In 2011, the BFI absorbed most responsibilities of the abolished UKFC including all associated funding starting April 1st that year. Jay Hunt became chair in February 2024 while Ben Roberts serves as chief executive officer since 2020. Harriet Finney acts as deputy CEO overseeing daily operations under current leadership structures appointed by the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport.
Common questions
When was the British Film Institute established?
The British Film Institute was established in 1933 by a group of film enthusiasts. The organization began as a private company despite receiving public money from the Privy Council and Treasury until 1965.
What is the size of the British Film Institute archive today?
The BFI maintains the world's largest film archive with over 50,000 fiction films and more than 100,000 non-fiction titles. Its holdings also include around 625,000 television programmes alongside documents featuring key actors and filmmakers' work.
Where are the main venues for the British Film Institute located?
BFI Southbank and the BFI IMAX cinema sit on the south bank of the River Thames in London. The IMAX features the largest cinema screen in the UK equipped with 11,600 watts of digital surround sound technology.
How much funding did the British Film Institute receive in 2021?
For the fiscal year 2021 alone, the institute received £74.31 million as Grant-in-Aid funding from DCMS. Public money allocated by the Department for Culture Media and Sport represents the largest income source for the BFI.
Who chairs the British Film Institute as of February 2024?
Jay Hunt became chair in February 2024 while Ben Roberts serves as chief executive officer since 2020. Harriet Finney acts as deputy CEO overseeing daily operations under current leadership structures appointed by the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport.