… the Film Audience Network (FAN)’s UK-wide project to support exhibitors in welcoming everyone to participate in cinema, by countering cultural, systemic or physical barriers.
The project champions the aims of FAN – to bring British, international and independent film to audiences. With a focus on young audiences (16-30) and a skilled, confident, exhibition sector, access is at the heart of FAN’s strategy. In partnership with our creative network of exhibitors, we celebrate meaningful representations of diversity behind the camera, on screen and in our audiences, working towards the BFI Diversity Standards.
The project is led by Film Hub Wales, as one of eight lead organisations supporting the Film Audience Network, an initiative delivered by BFI using National Lottery funding. The other hubs are Film Hub Scotland, Film Hub Northern Ireland, Film Hub North, Film Hub Midlands, Film Hub South East, Film Hub South West, and Film Hub London.
We collaborate with organisations such as Into Film, Cinema for All, the Independent Cinema Office, the UK Cinema Association, and specialist partners to ensure our work compliments existing efforts to support UK cinema exhibition.
Our approach
- Identify isolated groups and work with our network members to understand viewing habits, barriers to attendance and the best methods of marketing
- Build awareness within the membership of different audiences and their needs when visiting a cinema, so we can provide more inclusive experiences
- Inspiring members to share programmes, creating central spaces for dialogue and debate and maximising limited resources
- Generating national stories and raising the level of understanding amongst wider audiences who visit cinemas
- Create enthusiasm through conversation, resulting in a more inclusive cinema offered by members
- Uncover new and hidden voices to deepen engagement with film, through bringing visibility to diverse talent
- Evolve our vision for diversity and inclusion in line with changes across the sector and act as a beacon for change
- Create realistic, annual activity plans that develop skills, and deliver screenings for audiences, bringing funds into the UK film sector
- Collect robust data, alongside creative and simplified evaluation techniques, closing gaps in learning
- Build successful accessible screenings models across the UK, encouraging sustainable, long-term delivery
What is the Film Audience Network (FAN)?
Supported by National Lottery funding, BFI FAN is a unique collaboration of eight Film Hubs, managed by leading film organisations and venues strategically placed around the UK. Established in 2012, it now has over 1,200 members, including cinemas, festivals, multi-arts venues, community cinemas and film archives, and is at the heart of the BFI’s strategy to build larger and more diverse audiences for UK and international film and a thriving cinema exhibition sector.
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