BFI CEO Ben Roberts advocates for film education in classrooms

Ben Roberts, CEO of the British Film Institute (BFI), delivered a keynote address at the inaugural UK Film Conference during the Edinburgh Film Festival, emphasizing the need for film education to be integrated into the classroom. His remarks highlight a growing concern within the film industry about the lack of formal film education in schools, which many believe is vital for fostering a new generation of filmmakers and audiences.

Roberts' comments come at a time when the UK film industry is navigating challenges such as fluctuating box office numbers and the rise of streaming platforms. The pandemic has accelerated changes in film consumption, making it crucial for the industry to adapt by nurturing talent from an early age. With the film sector increasingly recognized for its economic and cultural contributions, Roberts advocates for educational reforms that place film studies on par with traditional subjects like literature and history.

During the discussion with Clare Binns, managing director of Picturehouse Cinemas, Roberts shared personal experiences and insights from his tenure in the industry. He acknowledged the difficulties of working within a public-funding framework and expressed his commitment to making film accessible to all students. "The missing piece, for me, is having film firmly in the classroom," he stated, underscoring the importance of cultivating a love for cinema from a young age.

Looking ahead, Roberts and the BFI are likely to push for partnerships with educational institutions to promote film curricula. The initiative could lead to a more robust pipeline of talent entering the industry, addressing the current skills gap. As film continues to evolve, integrating it into education may help ensure its relevance and sustainability, encouraging young people to engage with the medium creatively and critically.