The BFIs new film destination on Londons South Bank, formerly the National Film Theatre, will open to the public on 14 March. The extended venue has been re-named as BFI Southbank, and aims to become a front door to the BFI and the full spectrum of its activities, providing UK audiences with an ambitious and wide-ranging programme of film and screen culture.
In addition to the existing three cinemas, the new space will make archive films and television programmes available for free viewing in a state-of-the- art Mediatheque, a gallery for artists work in film, video and new media, and a film store carrying DVD and book titles relating to film and media culture. Part of the opening programme is Optronica, an audio-visual festival exploring the convergence of music, visuals and the emerging possibilities of cinema, featuring Peter Greenaway, with the UK premiere of Tulse Luper; Fred Deakin (Lemon Jelly) and Trevor Jackson; and Charles Atlas and Christian Fennesz.