Film London has announced the recipients of the first round of the Cultural Film Exhibition Fund and Education 'Hubs' Fund 2010/2011.

The well established London Short Film Festival and the recently created Croydon Film Festival will both receive funding from the Cultural Film Exhibition Fund to further develop their offering. Meanwhile, the newly renovated Phoenix Cinema and the Rio Cinema in Hackney will see their film education programmes nurtured through the 'Hubs' fund.

The funds, which aim to support, stimulate and sustain film exhibition and education across the capital, are now also welcoming applications for the second round.

Supporting Cultural Excellence

Through the Cultural Film Exhibition Fund, Film London strives to engage London audiences deeply in film culture, ensuring they have access to high quality viewing experiences and the opportunity to discover new and unfamiliar non-mainstream film.

Now in its 8th year, the London Short Film Festival 2011 will take place at venues across London in early January, combining independent shorts with live music, training, networking and art. Renowned for daring cross-arts programming, the festival showcases Britain's raw film-making talent and offers a bridge between grassroots creative talent and the UK film industry.  Film London will work with the festival team to develop its business planning and infrastructure to ensure the festival cements its status as a significant event in the UK film calendar.

Building on the success of its inaugural year (supported by Film London's Outer Boroughs Pilot Fund), the second Croydon Film Festival, in 2011, will offer a programme of screenings at the David Lean Cinema, cast and crew Q&As and discussions, informal learning activities and high profile events in non-cinema venues. Working with Film London and its partners, the festival aims to strategically develop audiences and grow attendance to reinforce its position at the core of Croydon's bourgeoning cultural calendar.

Film for Thought

The Education 'Hubs' Fund seeks to extend the reach and impact of film education in London by supporting projects which offer educational programmes designed to teach audiences about film, through film. The projects act as 'hubs', serving as models of best practice to strengthen the city's film education networks.

'Spring Into Film' is the Rio's educational screening programme for schools in and around Hackney. It supports both the National Curriculum and other educational, social, and cultural initiatives, such as 'Anti-Bullying Week' and 'Black History Month'. All screenings will be accompanied by activities to enhance educational value, including introductions, teaching resources and ideas for follow-up activities.  As a film education 'hub', the Rio is developing online resources, incorporating teaching materials, feedback from teachers and advice for schools and other cinemas looking to set up their own school screening programme.

'Film Hub', from The Phoenix, is designed to develop cine-literacy skills in students and teachers alike. In partnership with Middlesex University, The Phoenix will provide free, continued professional development in film education for secondary school teachers, who in turn will facilitate extra-curricular film screenings in their schools. These themed screenings will be enhanced by post-show Q&As with special guests and educational resources.  

New Opportunities for Exhibitors

The second round of both the Cultural Film Exhibition Fund and Education 'Hubs' Fund is now open. The application deadline of 5pm on 24 November.

Visit the Cultural Film Exhibition Fund and the Education 'Hubs' Fund pages to find out more about how to apply.