Redirecting National Lottery and Mayor of London funding to make emergency grants to our independent exhibitors has proved to be a lifeline, enabling our fantastic venues, cinemas and festivals across the UK to remain in business in the immediate term. However, it is clear that these vital and unique organisations, which are crucial to the rich cultural fabric of their local communities, are still in crisis. When allowed to reopen, safely implementing social distancing guidance will not only be logistically impossible for some, but many are also unlikely to cover their costs when operating at reduced capacity. Losing these exhibitors would be a huge cultural loss for UK audiences, so I am pleased FAN has been able to help them keep the lights on while we all face the oncoming challenges.  - Ben Luxford, Head of UK Audiences, BFI

Being granted this emergency funding not only provides our beloved company with the vital support it needs in order to continue operating - it goes beyond the company, and offers those behind it a moment to sigh relief and enjoy a greater peace of mind - which in these uncertain times, is invaluable. Compass Presents

The BFI Resilience Fund is a game changer for The Roses at an incredibly difficult time. As well as ensuring our survival through the next few months, it will give us the staff capacity to innovate our film programme to better serve our communities while the doors are closed, allowing us to reach new audiences and start new conversations around independent film. The Roses Theatre

Plymouth Arts Cinema is delighted to have been successful in achieving support from the BFI Covid-19 Resilience Fund. Even with this lifeline the future is going to be uncertain for so many of us in the independent sector but every single bit of support and funding from BFI during this time is vital in helping us secure a future. There is certainly hard work ahead but this funding means we have a better chance of weathering the months ahead and helping us safely get back on the big screen as soon as we possibly can. Plymouth Arts Cinema

With this support, The Pound can look forward to once more being an extraordinary place to see film with a programme of unequalled dimension, a village, a community, a place to feel – however fancifully – that our audience belong, among all the madness. Here’s to kick ass films coming to Corsham someday soon in the future! Martin Campbell, Pound Arts