British, Very British

British film is diverse, rich in history and stories, traditions, narrative forms and genres. Countless filmmakers and, above all, actors and actresses from Great Britain have had and continue to have an influence on cinematic developments worldwide. British films tell sophisticated stories of an empire proud of its status, costume dramas, great literary adaptations, agent films à la James Bond, cryptic comedies and (self-)critical insights from "Swinging London" to the British New Wave, from typical British "working-class cinema" to eruptive masterpieces of the independent film scene. Often, however, British film was merely an appendage of the US film market, repeatedly suffering from economic and identity crises and losing its distinctive profile. So what is ultimately "British, very British" about British film? And what will remain after the United Kingdom has left the European Union? This is a major blow to the British film and television industry, new foundations and regulations have yet to be worked out. Until then, our collection remains a small stocktaking - as vital evidence of the immense potential of British films.