The British Film Institute (BFI) has unveiled its funding plan for the years 2026 to 2029: A total of 150 million pounds is available for British film and TV culture - an increase of 10 % compared to the previous funding period.

The funds are channelled into six areas:

• Audience: 33.5 million pounds for cinemas, festivals and community projects, including the successful "Open Cinemas" programme.

• Education & Cultural Heritage: 13.3 million pounds for film lessons in schools and the preservation of film collections.

• Film production & talents: 61 million pounds for up-and-coming filmmakers, short films and BFI NETWORK initiatives.

• Skills & labour market: 35.55 million pounds for professional development, scholarships and young talent programmes.

• International co-operation: 1.4 million pounds for festivals, markets and co-productions.

• Research & Innovation: 5.25 million pounds for industry analyses, innovation projects and sustainable measures.

Culture Minister Lisa Nandy emphasises that the funding makes British talent visible worldwide and strengthens the industry. BFI boss Ben Roberts emphasises that the funds will be used specifically where commercial funding is lacking and are intended to promote creative risks.

The success of the strategy to date shows that programmes such as Skills Clusters, Open Cinemas and BFI NETWORK are already having a lasting impact - from award-winning films to film education in schools.

The additional support from the government, for example through the UK Global Screen Fund, enables the BFI to focus more strongly on urgently needed programmes. The new plan emphasises diversity, UK-wide funding and sustainability and aims to ensure that British screen culture continues to grow both culturally and economically.