Urban World

UK Films Without A UK Film Council

More surprising (or perhaps not) than having a coalition government, are some of the decisions that have ensued following the establishment of a Lib-Con partnership. Many changes and cuts we did expect, however, few post-election decisions have proven to be as alarming as the new governments decision to completely scrap the UK Film Council.

For those not aware, the UKFC is a government-backed body that has funded films including Bend it Like Beckham, Kidulthood and Adulthood. One of their main aims has been to ensure the effective representation of British film, at home and overseas. Thus, the abolishment of the council begs the question of whether we will continue to see the output of authentic British cinema on a large scale. Things don’t seem too optimistic at this present moment, as a lot of creators rely on this funding body to kick-start their projects. It is likely that the aforementioned films would not have been seen – at least not in the way that we now know them – if it wasn’t for the support the films received from the council. Of course, films are often made independently, without big backing: over the pond – it’s true that not everyone goes to Hollywood studios to get their movies made. However, it is a disappointing result for British Cinema, as it is likely to put a dent on the amount of British films reaching global audiences.

Of course, we must prioritize the more needy in Britain – but saying that does not mean it will automatically be done by cutting the UKFC completely, rather than just cutting corners. Actors and creators, like Clint Eastwood, have written pleas to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to reverse the decision. There is also a petition for the same cause in place. Time will tell how effective these methods will prove to be, and also if they are not successful, how this will affect the way British stories are told on the big screen.