Mayor Ken Livingstone has announced an investment of £100,000 in The Times bfi 48th London Film Festival. This money will increase access to festival films by screening them in selected cinemas across the capital.
The money which will be provided through the London Development Agency’s Creative London initiative and Film London marks the fourth year of support by the Mayor for the festival.
During the festival Mayor Livingstone will host the Mayor of London’s Gala screening of Enduring Love.
Announcing the investment, the Mayor said: ‘Through the London Development Agency and Film London I am investing money to improve London’s reputation as a place to see as well as to make films. Money has been invested to help enhance the London Film Festival, including improved delegate facilities, whilst the Film in the City programme means festival films are being shown in local cinemas around the capital for the first time. This means more Londoners have the chance to experience some of the inspirational cinema from one of the greatest film festivals in the world.’
Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London said ‘This is a great time for film in London – we have had a bumper summer of projects shooting in the capital and this autumn there are a fantastic number of London–shot film on international release. Film London is delighted to be able to support so many film and media initiatives that will not only sustain the film production sector in the capital but also allow Londoners to enjoy a rich and varied diet of film culture within their local communities.’
Michael Frye, Chair of the London Development Agency’s Creative London initiative said: ‘Our investment in the London Film Festival is helping to improve showcasing opportunities for London’s film industry and its emerging talent in the national and international marketplace. Through Creative London we have helped provide extra industry screenings, business development events and more networking facilities. And Londoners are also getting the chance to take part in the festival thanks to screenings arranged across the capital.’
