BFI Boss Ben Roberts, Picturehouse’s Clare Binns on Gen Z’s Cinema Renaissance, AI Slop and British Indie Film: “We’re Not Great at Comedy”
BFI chief executive Ben Roberts and Picturehouse creative director Clare Binns discussed the future of British independent film at the Edinburgh Film Festival, focusing on funding, audiences and cinema’s role in local communities. Roberts argued that publicly and Lottery-funded films can create value beyond box-office returns by helping launch careers, while warning that the UK independent sector needs to improve its approach to comedy and horror.
The BFI has £150 million to distribute over three years, largely from government grants and National Lottery income, although Roberts said its own funding remains relatively flat and it cannot apply for Lottery money because it administers it. He cited Tom Holland’s role in *How I Live Now* and Olivia Colman’s performance in *Tyrannosaur* as examples of publicly supported films developing major talent, and described cinemas as important community hubs that support high-street economies.
- BFI leaders discussed pressures and opportunities for British independent film.
- Roberts says UK indie cinema needs stronger comedy and horror.
- Public funding can develop talent beyond immediate commercial success.