The British Film Institute uses National Lottery funds to develop and support original UK filmmakers and films, and to increase the audiences who can enjoy them. The King’s Speech, Gosford Park, Billy Elliot and The Last King of Scotland were all made with the help of National Lottery money.

The BFI Film Fund mission is supporting distinctive emerging filmmakers; films of cultural significance; projects that takes risks; and those that recognise the quality of difference. There is a constant push towards a more inclusive and representative film culture, and diversity is increasingly at the heart of BFI Film Fund decisions.

Films the BFI has awarded production funding to recently include:

The Girl with All the Gifts – a smart and original take on the post-apocalyptic zombie film. Director: Colm McCarthy Cast: Glenn Close, Paddy Considine, Gemma Arterton, Sennia Nanua.

Lean on Pete – 15-year-old Charley embarks on a perilous journey in search of his long lost aunt and a possible home, his sole companion, the stolen racehorse ‘Lean on Pete’. Director: Andrew Haigh Cast: Charley Plummer, Travis Fimmel, Chloë Sevigny, Steve Buscemi.

Free Fire – Director Ben Wheatley takes on the American crime movie, and steps up the action with an arms deal that goes spectacularly and explosively wrong. Director: Ben Wheatley Cast: Sharlto Copley, Armie Hammer, Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy, Jack Reynor, Sam Riley.

A United Kingdom – a powerful romantic drama telling the remarkable true story of the 1948 marriage between the King of Bechuanaland and an office clerk from London. Their relationship was opposed by everyone, but love conquers all. Director: Amma Asante Cast: David Oyelowo (Selma), Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl).

I, Daniel Blake – winner of the prestigious Palme d'Or, Cannes. Almost 50 years after Loach’s Cathy Come Home, the director returns to looking at issues of deprivation in modern Britain. Director: Ken Loach Cast: Dave Johns, Hayley Squires.

View the full list of National Lottery-funded films