News – New emphasis for bfi

A six-month review by the British Film Institute (bfi) of its own activities has culminated with the publication of a set of proposed priorities for its future. A consultation document entitled ‘A Good Time for Action!’ highlights three strategic priorities for the organisation, including the development of a purpose-built, landmark building that will ultimately become the acknowledged home of UK film and television culture.
In the interim period, bfi proposes to concentrate a number of activities on its existing site on London’s South Bank, which incorporates the National Film Theatre. The revitalised site will provide an improved environment for bfi’s film festivals and better access to archival collections, curated programmes, archive and experimental films, film art installations and broadcast events. At the heart of the future bfi will be a re-engineered National Film and Television Archive, which will aim to set world standards for conservation practice and place a new emphasis on research and scholarship in partnership with other academic institutions. The redefined acquisition policy of the archive will set cultural parameters for the organisation as a whole, and there will be particular emphasis on exploiting for exhibition and distribution the material of which bfi is guardian. A new focus will be placed on the needs of diverse audiences and collaborations are proposed with local, regional and national agencies to promote a better understanding of film and television, and to encourage engagement with the archival, education and exhibition sectors. Digital initiatives and youth initiatives will also become priorities. bfi’s trading functions will be given a boost through a new trading division that will be charged with expansion, especially in DVD and print publishing, licensing and merchandising. The division will operate under the under a revitalised bfi brand. To respond to the consultation document, see the bfi website at w: http://www.bfi.org.uk/about/vision/action.html or e: [email protected]