Written by Joe Jackson on Apr 7, 2022. Posted in General Interest

Film London's UK export market returns for 2022 edition

Film London has revealed the return of its export market dedicated to UK film. The event - titled London Screenings - is back after cancellations and reconfigurations due to the pandemic. Buyers from all over the world will see an exciting selection of new titles, as well as meet UK sales companies and negotiate international distribution deals. It will take place from the 20th to the 23rd June 2022, live at Picturehouse Central.

“We’re looking forward more than ever to opening back up to the world and welcoming partners to a live in-person London Screenings this year," says Neil Peplow, BFI Director of Industry and International Affairs. "As well as meeting up with international distributors and festival programmers, the market gives us a great opportunity to show them exciting new UK fiction and documentaries features and a sneak preview of productions in progress.”

London Screenings provides a platform to celebrate and promote UK films to the international market. The market's 2019 outing was the last edition held in person. It offered a wide range of titles that showcased the breadth of UK filmmaking talent, with titles including: First Love, Judy & Punch, The Runaways and Mr. Jones. The 2019 edition attracted over 160 distributors from across Europe and buyers from North America and Asia. A total of 95 sales agent participated and the event generated USD8.38 million in business.

“London Screenings remains one of the best places for international buyers to get in at the ground floor with a wide range of features from established and emerging filmmakers alike," emphasises Adrian Wootton OBE, CEO of Film London and the British Film Commission. "With global demand for content higher than ever before it’s never been more important for us to provide such a unique commercial showcase for British film. We are delighted to return in person at Picturehouse Central this June and look forward to meeting with long-term friends and colleagues and nurturing new relationships with the international industry.”

The Breakthrough Strand of London Screenings - which launches new talent to the market - will also return this year. This particular element of the market has been expanded to include some impactful relevant documentaries as part of a new partnership with Doc Society. The partnership sees Doc Society capitalising on the growing film market, using its platform to profile the extraordinary work that filmmakers are delivering while, at the same time, giving sales companies early-doors access to these titles.

“The BFI Doc Society Fund is delighted to be partnering with London Screenings this year to showcase the best of UK documentary to buyers and festivals," declares Doc Society Director Sandra Whipham. "After a difficult two years for our filmmakers we welcome the opportunity to super charge their work so that these fantastic films can better reach audiences both in the UK and globally.”

Photo by Luke Stackpoole on Unsplash