The head of AusFilm has indicated that the Australian film industry may try to usurp the UK if arts funding is slashed.

The UK Film Council will meet Government representatives today to discuss the debate over its closure.

Daniel Barber, the Oscar-nominated director of Michael Caine crime flick Harry Brown, has applauded Best For Film’s campaign to defend the UKFC.

Hurrah for us Brits! According to this year’s Toronto Film Festival line-up we’ve got a lot to look forward to in terms of British cinema, with 12 Brit entrants making it into the official selection. Interestingly enough, 8 out the 12 – yep, that’s two thirds – are backed and supported by the UK Film Council (which is why you should sign the official petition to save it here).

So, the UK Film Council is to be axed. There are really only two things to do in reaction to such baffling news: a) follow in the steps of over 12,000 film fans and sign our official online petition here b) then proceed to remind yourselves of what the UKFC has brought to our screens in the last ten years, starting with the exhilarating horror sequel 28 Weeks Later.

The 2007 film adaptation of Monica Ali’s novel Brick Lane is reason enough in itself to sign our petition to save the UK Film Council funding scheme. The picture, which was directed by Sarah Gavron, went on to win a silver Hitchcock award and best screenplay at the Dinard Festival of British Cinema. Now is the time to show your support for our independent filmmakers in order for successes such as this to continue.

The stars of new movie The A-Team turned out in style on the red carpet last night for the premiere at Leicester Square. The cast defended the film against criticism that it doesn’t match up to the ‘fun and family entertainment’ of the original 1980s TV series on which it is based.

If the government won’t defend the arts, who will? Best For Film, that’s who! We’re mounting a campaign to protect the vital work of the UK Film Council, and we need YOUR support.

Please show your support for our superb film industry by signing the petition below and following the campaign at Best For Film, an independent cinema website helping to co-ordinate our efforts.

According to figures released today from the UK Film Council, 2009 had the highest cinema attendance in the last six years, with over 170 million people visiting their local theatre. This means that contrary to popular prediction, the film business is alive and booming.