Film London, the capital's film and media agency, in conjunction with the Mayor of London and the London Development Agency, is taking the 54th BFI London Film Festival to audiences right across the capital.

More than £80,000 is being invested in the Festival, not only to strengthen connections with the capital's film and media industry, but also to broaden the festival's reach to the widest possible London audience.

• Film in the City, funded by Film London, takes the festival beyond central London to local cinemas across the capital including venues in some of the city's most outer boroughs: David Lean, Croydon; The Genesis, Mile End; Greenwich Picturehouse; Phoenix, East Finchley; Rich Mix, Shoreditch; Rio, Dalston; Tricycle, Kilburn; and Watermans, Brentford.
• The Centrepiece Gala presented by the Mayor of London (18 October): Another Year, from legendary London film-maker Mike Leigh, is a powerful drama that explores a year in the life of an endearing couple in their early sixties. Starring Jim Broadbent and Ruth Sheen the film is set and was shot in the capital and Film London offered the production extensive locations support.
• London Film Festival Trailer: Film London assisted the filming of the new official festival trailer by financing the services of an experienced London location manager, sourcing key additional crew, plus offering bespoke locations advice. With Film London's support the intensive shoot in iconic areas of the capital went well and the results can be seen ahead of every screening and event throughout the festival.
• Film London Production Finance Market (20-21 October) is the only event of its kind in the UK connecting producers and financiers from the international marketplace to establish new financing relationships. Building on its previous success, the PFM will provide top level producers with potential avenues of film finance, offering vital support of independent film production amid the difficult economic downturn. Full details to be announced later this month
• London Calling (25 October): a programme of short films showcasing some of the best of new London talent supported by Film London production schemes.
• Industry Office, supported by Film London, caters for the needs of UK and international film professionals at the festival, offering them a wide range of services and activities including screenings, seminars and networking events. A full line-up of Festival Industry events will be announced soon.

Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London, said:
"Film London, supported by the Mayor of London and the LDA, is delighted to again be a major funder and supporter of the London Film Festival. This festival is a fantastic and extremely important celebration of cinema in the capital and we are proud that with projects such as the Production Finance Market and continued investment in the festival's industry offerings, we are continuing to build London's reputation as a city where film is central to both culture and the economy.

This year's Centrepiece Gala presented by the Mayor of London is a wonderful showcase of home grown talent with London based award-winning writer/director Mike Leigh presenting his latest film, Another Year. Film London was delighted to work closely with the production team, troubleshooting and providing locations support throughout the filming process."

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said:
"The London Film Festival is a key cultural event in the calendar and marks the city's pre-eminence as a film centre. In the current economic climate it is vitally important that we support the UK film industry and help it to nurture talent, showcase new films, and attract film production from abroad. I am pleased that our support this year will help extend the festival's reach to more people and create opportunities for London film-makers to network. I wish the festival and participating film-makers every success."

Tickets go on sale to the public on Monday 27 September: 020 7928 3232 / www.bfi.org.uk/lff

For further press information about Film London please contact:

Anna Highet
T: +44 (0) 20 7613 7679
E: anna.highet@filmlondon.org.uk    

Colette Geraghty
T: +44 (0) 20 7613 7680
M: +44 (0) 7917 437 699
E: colette.geraghty@filmlondon.org.uk