The Economic Impact of the UK Film Industry - BFI - British Film ...

8.1. Film and UK culture
Economic Contribution of the UK Film Industry
July 2007
Film can affect a country’s culture in many ways. The best films can articulate new ideas, forcing the
audience to reassess their existing views, assumptions and prejudices. As a mass media, with fewer
constraints about impartiality than some television channels, film can also articulate existing ideas and
view points. These may reflect society or be a criticism of it. The communication of new and existing
ideas can lead audience members to change the way they view the world and their place within it.
As Tessa Jowell, the former Minister of Culture, said recently: “Our culture is critical to the type of country
we are.” 30 The ability of films to influence culture means that they can influence national identity. A film
from any country can potentially shape the UK’s culture, but it is more likely that an indigenous film will
have such an impact. UK films are much more likely to involve places, people or issues that British people
instinctively recognize and value. UK film affects how the British see themselves and how they are
viewed by others.
The core UK film industry’s ability to influence national identity is the main reason the government seeks
to promote the production of culturally British films by providing tax relief. In describing the 2005 change
to the cultural test for British films, HM Treasury commented “Cinematic film provides a universal and
readily accessible medium for the expression and representation of British culture and national identity.
Films can help reflect, explore and challenge our diverse history, cultural beliefs and shared values. In
doing so, the best British films not only help us to reach a better shared understanding of Britain and its
place in the world, but are also instrumental in spreading awareness and appreciation of British culture
around the world. As such, British films are an important part of our cultural heritage and a significant
channel for the continuing expression and dissemination of British culture.” 31
Examples of recent UK films that have addressed social issues that are important challenges in the 21 st
century include:
• Trainspotting, which contributes to awareness of the issue of drug addiction and its social costs.
• Billy Elliot, which deals with the issues of prejudice.
• Bend it Like Beckham, which addresses issues of race relations.
• Yasmin, portraying the experience of Muslim communities in the UK.
• In This World, which tells the story of migration from Afghanistan to UK.
UK films’ ability to advertise the British brand around the world also has a monetary pay-off. It supports
the competitiveness of UK exports (see Chapter 10). It also has an important role to play in attracting
people to the UK and supporting inward tourism (as discussed in Chapter 7). It also attracts business,
influencing levels of inward foreign direct investment.
There are also public benefits from the educational component of films. For example, since 1985 Film
30 From Tessa Jowell’s (Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport) speech entitled “Valuing Culture” made on 17 June 2003.
31 HM Treasury (2005), ‘Reform of film tax incentives: Promoting the sustainable production of culturally British films’, July.
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