UK film festivals get cash boost

The cash will be distributed over the next three years

UK film festivals are to receive £740,000 to help boost their profiles, it has been announced.

Events across the UK showing films of different genres will all benefit from the lottery cash.

UK Film Council chief executive John Woodward said it was a "huge step" for the festivals.

Belfast's Cinematic event, Sheffield's International Documentary Festival and the UK-wide Bird's Eye View showcase for female film-makers will benefit.

"Festivals give people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to immerse themselves in a huge array of exciting and powerful films," he said.

Women's film-making

Festivals which will to benefit from the cash, which will be distributed over the next three years, include:

Cinemagic World Screen Film and Television Festival for Young People - £150,000 - based in Belfast

Birds Eye View Film Festival - £175,000 - showcasing the best of women's film-making.

Sheffield International Documentary Festival - £175,000 - the biggest annual gathering of UK documentary makers.

British Silent Film Festival - £70,000 - showcasing pre-1930s world cinema.

Flatpack Festival - £70,000 - Birmingham-based festival that uses alternative venues such as churches, warehouses and shopping centres, as well as cinemas and gallery spaces.

Deaffest - £50,000 - films made by the Deaf and hearing impaired and based in various venues including Wolverhampton.

The London International Animation Festival - £50,000

The Edinburgh International Film Festival - which runs from 18-29 June - has already been allocated £1.88m from the UK Film Council's Film Festivals Fund.