A new network of film exhibitors has called for membership to help expand film culture in London and boost audiences.

Film London is the lead organisation for Film Hub London (FHL), a localised part of the BFI Film Audience Network (FAN), and will oversee investment of £200,000 a year (for four years) of Lottery funding for audience development and expansion across the capital, with an emphasis outside central London.

FHL’s schemes include providing training bursaries, supporting disability-friendly film content and subsidising screening fees and talent appearances.

Membership is free and open to all exhibitors including commercial cinema chains, pop-up operators, film festivals, mixed art venues, London Boroughs and to film clubs or societies. FHL has also recently secured a deal with Vue cinemas to support new community-led film activity.

The BFI appointed film and media agency Film London to head up the campaign in the capital, one of nine such UK organisations tasked with delivering the funding including Chapter Arts centre in Wales, Cornerhouse Manchester and Regional Screen Scotland.

Adrian Wootton [pictured], Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, said: “We believe this is a creative and innovative opportunity for audiences, and thanks to the BFI it is an area which is receiving more investment than ever before. Film Hub London offers formal and long term investment to the capital’s exhibition sector, but our success depends on the strength of our membership. I am confident, that collectively we can build a bright future for film exhibition in the capital – for all exhibitors, for all venues, for all audiences.”

Film London has also brought together a roster of industry experts to serve as advisory panel to FHL. The panel will guide FHL’s activities and agree it annual aims and objectives. The panel includes:

• Chair: Adrian Wotton, Chief Executive, Film London and the British Film Commission

• Clare Binns, Programming & Acquisitions Director, Picturehouse Cinemas

• Stuart Boreman, Film Buying Director, Vue Entertainment

• Jim Dummett, Director, Lost Picture Show

• Kate Gerova, Creative Director, Bird’s Eye View

• Priscilla Igwe, Director, The New Black

• Lesley Jones, Cinema Administration Manager, Barbican Centre

• Anna Kime, Acting Head of Film Culture, Film London

• Clare Stewart, Head of Cinemas and Festivals, BFI

• Rachel Wang, Director, Chocolate Films

• Tyrone Walker-Hebborn, Owner and Director, Genesis Entertainment Limited

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