News – BFI Southbank set to open

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.