Funding Boost for Northwest Digital Film Archive

THE UK Film Council will be investing £2.7 million of lottery cash from the Digital Archive Fund over the next two years in the English regions to help open up access for the public to our screen heritage. The Northwest through Regional Screen Agency, Northwest Vision and Media will receive £150,000 per year over the next two years.

The money will ensure that access to screen heritage is provided to as many people as possible through a variety of platforms including screenings, festivals and public spaces.

Screen heritage is held in film archives, universities, record offices, museums and libraries. The Digital Archive Fund is about making this content as accessible as possible in the digital age, regardless of where it is held. The footage is often acquired because of local interest but in many instances these collections are of national and international significance.

Alice Morrison, Chief Executive of Northwest Vision and Media is delighted at the investment in digital archive for the Northwest, “Archive footage allows people to see how the places they live or that are important to them were years ago and really learn about their heritage. Screenings of archive footage continue to grow in popularity and this regional investment is another fantastic step forward in making it as accessible as possible to everyone.”

John Woodward, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Film Council said, “The UK Film Council invests money into the regions because they are a key asset for the British Film Industry. The agencies bring together all the different parts of the film agenda at a local level.”