The British Film Institute has announced a £9.25 million investment to strengthen screen culture and expand film audiences across the UK through the first round of its National Lottery Audience Projects Fund for 2026–2029. The funding will support a wide range of audience-focused initiatives, including cinemas, festivals, and distribution projects aimed at increasing engagement with independent and international film.
A total of 23 projects have received funding, with 17 long-term awards spanning two to three years and six shorter-term initiatives. These projects are expected to generate more than 3 million cinema admissions and support over 88,000 screenings nationwide. Notably, the majority of funding recipients are based outside London and the South East, reflecting a strong commitment to regional access and inclusivity.
The initiative will benefit 10 venues, nine festivals and special programmes, three sector-wide audience development initiatives, and one distribution campaign. Key supported venues include Broadway Cinema, HOME Cinema and Arts Centre, and Tyneside Cinema, each focusing on engaging underrepresented communities through tailored programming and outreach.
Several major festivals and initiatives are also included, such as the Oska Bright Film Festival, Leeds International Film Festival, and Sheffield DocFest, all of which aim to broaden participation and improve accessibility. Sector-wide programmes led by organizations like Independent Cinema Office will further strengthen the independent cinema network and expand access to diverse content.
According to Ben Luxford, the funding marks a key step in the second phase of the BFI’s 10-year strategy, emphasizing collaboration and long-term audience development. Since launching in 2023, the fund has already supported over 150 projects, generating more than 6.6 million admissions, with the vast majority occurring outside London.
The £9.25 million forms part of a broader £19.7 million allocation under the BFI’s £33.5 million audience funding plan for 2026–2029. This represents a 20 percent increase compared to the previous cycle and highlights continued investment in growing cinema audiences and supporting the UK’s exhibition and distribution sectors.
Overall, the programme aims to make film culture more inclusive, accessible, and representative, while ensuring long-term sustainability for cinemas and creative initiatives across the UK.
