BFI America Launches with Barbara Broccoli, Terry Gilliam on Board

The British Film Institute (BFI) has launched BFI America in Los Angeles to coincide with the 90th anniversary of the BFI National Archive, aiming to preserve and restore historic films while strengthening ties with the U.S. film community. Key figures on the board include James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli and filmmaker Terry Gilliam, alongside other leaders from the entertainment and academic sectors. The organization, formerly known as Friends of the British Film Institute, will champion the BFI's archival and restoration work and foster ongoing collaboration between British and American cinema. The launch event will be followed by the TCM Classic Film Festival, which will showcase six films from the BFI National Archive, including a special print of 'Jaws' and other notable classics. BFI leadership, including Chief Executive Ben Roberts, emphasized the deep connections in cinema between the U.K. and U.S. and the importance of presenting archived film treasures to American audiences. The BFI National Archive is recognized as one of the world's most significant film collections, responsible for preserving and restoring both classic and contemporary works.