BFI Fund Boss: Risk Aversion Plagues British Film

Mia Bays will depart the BFI Filmmaking Fund in October 2026, concluding a five-year term focused on fostering independent British cinema. Overseeing a budget of approximately 20 million pounds annually, Bays prioritized backing creative risks and underrepresented filmmakers. Her tenure saw multiple films achieve BAFTA and BIFA awards, including "Kneecap" and "My Father's Shadow," the latter selected as the U.K.'s 2026 Oscars entry. Bays also introduced new funding streams like the Impact Fund and Future Takes.

Bays identified distribution challenges and increased risk aversion among distributors as the most significant hurdles for the British film industry. She stressed that these issues create an environment where riskier, often more innovative films struggle to secure release and international sales, making the role of public funds more critical. Co-productions, supported by initiatives like the U.K. Global Screen Fund, are highlighted as essential for financing films in the current climate.

Despite these obstacles, Bays remains optimistic about the state of British filmmaking, noting its consistent world-class quality and the international impact of its films. She celebrated a resurgence in British comedy and the success of culturally specific works like "The Incomer." Bays also praised "I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning," a film set to premiere at Cannes, for its poignant exploration of generational challenges.

Her key advice to her successor is to embrace a "beginner's mind," prioritizing listening to the industry's needs and adapting the fund's strategy accordingly. Bays believes this approach, balanced with bringing fresh ideas, is crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of filmmaking and ensuring continued support for vital, often unconventional, cinematic projects.