There was good news this week when Film London and the BFI agreed to continue supporting Film Focus.

The June event gives British film-makers the opportunity to show projects to international film buyers. There had been fears that the event might close down after the government’;s decision to call time on the UK Film Council from next year.

This year’;s Film Focus, which is also supported by the Mayor of London, UK Trade & Investment and Film Export UK, will be the eighth edition. Commenting on its importance, Film London CEO Adrian Wootton said: “Initiatives to ensure British film talent reaches an international audience are vital in supporting a huge number of careers and businesses, from film-makers to sales agents.”

Last week also saw London Film Festival Artistic Director Sandra Hebron announce that the 55th BFI London Film Festival will take place from Wednesday 12th October until Thursday 27th October 2011. Last year’;s festival hosted 201 feature films and 112 short films from 68 countries.