BFI CEO Executive Ben Roberts will be the keynote speaker at the inaugural UK Film Conference held as part of this year’s EIFF Industry programme. The event will be hosted by Creative Director of Picturehouse Cinemas, Clare Binns.

Our mission is to be the home of independent cinema in the UK and the inaugural UK Film Conference is part of that mission. Beginning with a lively and wide-ranging headline discussion with Ben Roberts, the one day Conference on Saturday 15 August will be a state of the nation for independent film in the UK situated at the heart of the Festival’s Industry offering at the Festival Hub at Central Hall. 

The Industry Programme will bring together filmmakers, producers, exhibitors, distributors and film professionals from all areas of the local and international film industry to engage with the future of independent film in the UK.

CEO and Festival Director, Paul Ridd said: “Our aim for the new look EIFF has always been to be a destination for audiences and for the film industry to discover and engage with the exciting work and filmmakers in our main competitions and beyond.

“The Conference will be the perfect opportunity to expand on that aim and really get into the weeds with some big hitters about the future and what comes next. This headline conversation will be the ideal start to a day that promises to be stimulating, provocative and exciting. Bring it on.”  

Ben Roberts, CEO of the BFI, said: “EIFF is an important celebration of independent cinema, and I’m looking forward to joining its first UK Film Conference in conversation with the eminent Clare Binns who I know will spark a lively conversation.

“The Conference is a chance to look at why UK independent film remains such a vital and  respected part of our global industry. It comes at a time of real change, from ever changing audience habits to new technologies but also seeing routes into the industry fundamentally shifting.

“There is much to be optimistic about, and this feels like a timely opportunity to look at how the industry can make the most of the opportunities ahead.”

Creative Director of Picturehouse Cinemas, Clare Binns, has said: “I am delighted to host what I know will be an illuminating conversation with my old friend Ben Roberts.

“Cinema always seems to be at a crossroads of where next? Technology, taste and financial challenges are changing the film landscape so quickly. But what we know is that Cinema is vital, giving meaning, understanding and enjoyment to our lives.

“Ben has experience from every part of the business of cinema, plus I know he is a film geek at heart. It is great that the EIFF has given us this platform to have a lively discussion on what’s next and what we need to preserve to keep Cinema alive and well.”

Ben Roberts, CEO of the BFI, is responsible for the organisation’s future strategic and cultural direction, and providing leadership for the UK’s screen industries. Under his leadership, the BFI has successfully transitioned its cultural programme to digital; reaching more audiences than ever before with two hybrid versions of the BFI London Film Festival, two digital BFI Flare festivals and ensuring audiences have access to curated programmes on BFI Player, including Japan 2020, Black Britain on Film and the archive project Britain on Lockdown. 

The event will be hosted by Creative Director of Picturehouse Cinemas, Clare Binns. With over fifty years of experience in the film industry and as Creative Director of Picturehouse Cinemas and former Managing Director of both Picturehouse Cinemas and its prize-winning distribution arm Picturehouse Entertainment, Clare brings distinctive and original stories to UK audiences, including Palme D’Or & Oscar winner Anatomy of a Fall, and UK hit Pillion on which she was an executive producer. In 2026, she was awarded the BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema as well as being selected for Variety’s first Women’s Impact Report UK. 

EIFF Industry accreditation provides access to our full Industry Programme from 13–19 August, offering opportunities to connect with fellow film professionals and Edinburgh Fringe delegates throughout the Festival.

Visit edfilmfest.org/industry to apply for accreditation and discover the full list of benefits.

We hope to see you at the Festival in August.