Yesterday, Jeremy Hunt announced the UK Film Council (set up in 2000) will be scrapped under the new Coalition Government.

The UK Film Council is currently heralded as “the Government backed lead agency for film in the UK ensuring that the economic, cultural and educational aspects of film are effectively represented at home and abroad.” It’s disbanding will have huge effects on the UK film industry, threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of independent film-makers.

Jeremy Hunt insists that “government and Lottery support for film will continue for the British Film Industry” but evens so, this is a move that has astonished many and will no doubt affect the future of British film-making.

We believe that attacking cultural spending in the face of economic hardship is short-sighted at the best of times, but unlike financial black holes such as the 2012 Olympics the UK Film Council represents an extremely wise investment by the last government. Every £1 invested by the UK Film Council generates £5 in box office revenues, and contributes to our reputation as a world leader in the field of contemporary cinema.

Please show your support for our superb film industry by signing the petition below and following the campaign via twitter @bestforfilm

Sign our Save the UK Film Council petition.

Then find out more on why you would want to save the UK Film Council!