Stars gather at the BFI LUMINOUS fundraising gala

On Tuesday 6 October stars from the UK’s film and television industries gathered in support at London’s Guildhall for the BFI’s LUMINOUS fundraising gala, in partnership with IWC Schaffhausen. The evening celebrated the best of British film and film talent, and guests helped to raise over £430K so far to support the BFI National Archive by bidding on once-in-a-lifetime lots, including a private audience with Al Pacino and a walk on part in Paddington 2.

The evening also marked the launch of the BFI’s new year-long fundraising campaign Film is Fragile that aims to raise £1M to help secure the future of the BFI National Archive – the UK’s National Collection of film and TV and one of the greatest heritage collections in the world.

BFI CEO Amanda Nevill and LUMINOUS Chair and President & Managing Director, Warner Bros. Entertainment UK, Ireland and Spain, Josh Berger hosted the evening, with on stage entertainment and comedy from Master of Ceremonies Jonathan Ross. Guests included Tom Hiddleston, Jenna Coleman, Joan Collins, Guy Ritchie and Jacqui Ainsley, Erin O’Connor, Geena Davis, Natascha McElhone, Lily Cole, Anna Friel, Julian Fellowes, Jonathan Pryce, Steve Coogan, Jonathan Ross, Sienna Guillory, Terry Gilliam, Sir John Hurt and Ben Wheatley. LUMINOUS also featured captivating projections and visuals by The Light Surgeons, using the riches of the BFI National Archive and inspired by the BFI’s forthcoming LOVE Blockbuster season. Guests were also treated to an intimate live performance by The Staves.

Newly announced BFI Ambassador, Tom Hiddleston said: “Film is an art form – one of the most powerful, accessible, democratic and transformative in our society. It allows us to see the world around us, and the lives of others. It plays a vital role in establishing our national identity and gives us confidence as a nation. The BFI looks after the most significant collection of film and television in the world. It should be treasured and protected, in the same way we treasure and protect all our great cultural collections, from art and music, to libraries and museums. The BFI’s mission is to ensure that our film culture is kept alive, and to inspire the next generation of film talent. It’s the reason the BFI exists and why I am committed to being a BFI Ambassador.”

All at the BFI express their sincere thanks to the many sponsors, partners, auction contributors and individuals who have helped make LUMINOUS possible:

• IWC Schaffhausen for their vital support as headline sponsor
• Official sponsor DJI
• Italian luxury car marque Maserati
• Auction partner Sotheby’s
• Media partner Vanity Fair
• Crystals by Swarovski

We are very grateful to Corbis Entertainment, Corniche Pictures, RBC Wealth Management and Warner Bros. – our corporate table partners, and our Official hospitality partners: Billecart-Salmon, Casamigos Tequila, Charbonnel & Walker, Gran Clos wines, Neuschwansteiner Beer, Warner Music, Christie Digital and all our wonderful auction contributors.