THE BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE AND ACCENTURE TO REVIVE FOUR MORE FILM CLASSICS FOR CINEMA-GOERS

3 Oct 2001 12:00 AM

The British Film Institute (bfi) and Accenture, the world''s leading provider of management and technology consulting services, today (3 October) announced the second slate of a substantial, two-year project to revive eight classic films for the enjoyment of current and future generations of cinema-goers.

The next four classics set for revival in the project''s second year are:

Annie Hall (1977 / USA / dir: Woody Allen) Sunset Boulevard (1950 / USA / dir: Billy Wilder) If (1968 / GB / dir: Lindsay Anderson) High Society (1956 / USA / dir: Charles Walters)

Sponsorship from Accenture will enable the bfi to create brand new prints of these features, which are not presently available in the bfi''s collections, the largest in Europe. Each film will be released in cinemas UK-wide for local audiences to enjoy, between now and May 2002.

Mike Gannaway, UK Marketing Director, Accenture, said:

''In recent years Accenture has become involved in a number of diverse arts sponsorship programmes. And with film more popular than ever in the UK today, we are delighted to be associated with an industry which has innovation, creativity and technology at its core''.

Commenting on the partnership with Accenture, bfi Director Jon Teckman said:

''Following the runaway success of the previous four films we released with sponsorship from Accenture I am delighted with the titles for the second slate. Breakfast at Tiffany''s, which was re-released in February has played non-stop throughout the UK, from multiplex cinemas to small independent cinemas. I hope that we will bring these four classic titles back to life with equal success.''

Teckman continued:

''The rationale behind re-striking old prints is that film deteriorates naturally over time, especially if heavily used. There are no useable copies of any of these films in bfi collections, so they cannot be offered to cinema-goers anywhere. Furthermore, we have found that audiences at the bfi National Film Theatre, as well as screen bookers and festival programmers around the world, regularly request these titles. The bfi is eager to extend the cinema experience for as many people as possible, so we are thrilled that this far-sighted programme will cater for such a broad audience.''

Annie Hall is the first film to be re-released and opens in London on October 19th at the Curzon Mayfair, the Clapham Picture House and the Electric Cinema, and selected cinemas UK wide.

The remaining three titles will be released with Gala screenings from early 2002.

In addition, Accenture will sponsor the presentation of selected bfi Fellowship awards, which are given to people who have made an outstanding contribution to film and television.