The BFI (British Film Institute) promotes understanding and appreciation of film and television heritage and culture. Established in 1933, the bfi runs a range of activities and services.

1. Film and television heritage
The BFI cares for the world's richest and most significant collection of film and television. The BFI National Archive preserves almost one million titles.



2. Exhibition and distribution
BFI Southbank (previously the National Film Theatre) screens over 1,000 films a year. The BFI IMAX on London's South Bank has the largest cinema screen in the UK. The bfi also runs the annual London Film Festival as well as the London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival.

The bfi releases films in cinemas across the UK, bringing classic titles to a new generation of film-lovers. Highlights from the London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival and curated collections from the BFI National Archive are toured around the UK.



3. Publishing and products
The bfi publishes the monthly film magazine Sight & Sound, which features commentary and analysis, in-depth reviews and full credits for all new releases. It also publishes a wide range of books on film and television, including criticism, theory and history as well as popular companions to individual film titles. The bfi releases a range of films on DVD and Blu-ray, including world, silent and documentary cinema and archive television.



4. Education and research
BFI runs programmes for learners of all ages, as well as resources in print and online to support film education across the UK. The BFI Library's holdings include over 46,000 books, 5,000 periodical titles and over two million newspaper cuttings.