Twenty years ago, UK indie companies were outraged they were not being supported by the UK Film Council’s P&A Fund while a blockbuster documentary such as Warner Bros’ March Of The Penguins did receive substantial backing.
The debate continues in 2023. In its 10-year Screen Culture strategy period, the British Film Institute (BFI) is using National Lottery funding to boost UK audience engagement through the new BFI Audience Projects Fund, its BFI Film Audience Network and a new BFI National Lottery Open Cinemas programme.