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BBC, BFI host British film season

October 22, 2020

By Nik Roseveare

BBC Film and the BFI have announced a new season of British films, beginning on BBC Two on October 24th with Daniel Kokotajlo’s Bafta-nominated Apostasy.

‘British Film Premiere: New Films from New Voices’ will present a new premiere every Saturday night through to December, celebrating a new wave of British filmmakers. Each film will be available on BBC iPlayer after its transmission on BBC Two, and all will be accompanied by an introduction from a UK film critic. Most of the films will also be available for free on BFI Player.

The films premiering in the British Film Premiere season are all backed by BBC Film and the BFI, which awards National Lottery funding.  The majority of films in British Film Premiere were released in cinemas in 2020, with BBC Film and the BFI working closely with producers, distributors and exhibitors to experiment with traditional release windows and bring them to audiences in homes early.

Patrick Holland, Controller of BBC Two, says: “I am delighted that BBC Two will be showcasing this astonishing mix of new British films, making them available to audiences across the country. They are testament to the brilliant voices and talents working in the UK today and we couldn’t be prouder to bring them to the small screen.”

Rose Garnett, Director of BBC Film, added: “BBC Two was where I first encountered so many great British films, and those early experiences fuelled a life-long love of cinema. Nothing compares to the big-screen experience, but at such a difficult collective moment to bring this new wave of British filmmakers to the channel is hugely exciting. I hope that by providing a national platform for these authored, bold perspectives we can both entertain and inspire film-lovers and future filmmakers across the UK.”

Ben Roberts, Chief Executive, BFI, said: “What a great year it’s been for showcasing British independent filmmaking, with a raft of new films screened in cinemas and at home. These seven films speak to the wealth of emerging talent in the UK and we’re delighted to bring their brilliant work to audiences through this season. We’re grateful to National Lottery players for enabling the BFI to co-fund these films and support their wider distribution.”

The films in the season are:

  • Apostasy – writer/director Daniel Kokotajlo
  • Make Up – writer/director Claire Oakley
  • Perfect 10 – writer/director Eva Riley
  • Lynn + Lucy – writer/director Fyzal Boulifa
  • Monsoon – writer/director Hong Khaou
  • One Man And His Shoes – director Yemi Bamiro
  • Dirty God – writer/director Sacha Polak

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