BFI supported Escapes make cinema free and accessible nationwide, with over 100 National Lottery-funded screenings of I Swear

Escapes is a groundbreaking audience development initiative that offers free and accessible cinema screenings at over 120 independent cinemas across the UK each month. Backed by the BFI, which awards National Lottery Good Causes funding, the scheme breaks down financial barriers to cinema-going and allows audiences to engage with their local independent cinema as a cultural, community space that is open and accessible to them. I Swear was selected as the film to be screened nationwide in October 2025; it proved to be hugely popular with audiences and was the highest Escapes attendance to date at that time.

As the distributor of National Lottery funding for film, the BFI works with partners UK-wide to ensure this public investment has the greatest possible impact and reaches the people, projects and places where it is needed most. As part of the BFI National Lottery Funding Plan 2026-2029, Open Cinemas, operating as Escapes, received a £3 million investment over three years to ensure it continues to deliver free and accessible independent cinema to audiences nationwide.

I Swear proved a perfect film selection for the Escapes initiative. The British biographical comedy-drama from Kirk Jones is based on the true-life story of John Davidson (portrayed by Robert Aramayo), a Scottish man with severe Tourette syndrome. The film received five BAFTA nominations, winning Best Actor in a Leading Role for Aramayo and Best Casting for Lauren Evans. Escapes viewers agreed with the film’s acclaimed reception; cinemagoers gave I Swear an average rating of 4.9/5 stars. It’s clear this independent film, shot in Scotland, resonated with viewers; 99.7% of cinema-goers said they would recommend the film and 82% said that attending an Escapes event screening increased their interest in independent film.

Explaining why the BFI chose to fund I Swear, Jonny Courtney, UK Wide Audiences Manager for the BFI, shared: “I Swear was selected for BFI Escapes as an accessible and engaging British film with universal themes that we knew would resonate with audiences across the UK. Following the true-life story of Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson and his fight for greater understanding and acceptance of the condition, the film brings a rarely told true story to the screen while showcasing some of the UK’s best creative talent. It reflects the strength of contemporary British filmmaking and exemplifies what BFI Escapes is all about: bringing audiences together through compelling stories. We’re delighted that audiences connected with the film and that it helped them rediscover the shared experience of cinema in their local communities.”

Since its launch in February 2024, the Escapes initiative has distributed over 250,000 free tickets for screenings at 235 cinemas nationwide, 87% of which are outside London. These free, regular screenings ensure that those with financial barriers, who may not be regular cinema-goers, are not excluded from the culturally enriching and communal experience of cinema. The opportunity to get free tickets also allows audiences to take a chance on a film they would otherwise miss, helping them discover UK and international cinema, from timely dramas to thought-provoking documentaries. Audience feedback shows the overwhelmingly positive impact of Escapes: 99.4% would recommend Escapes to friends, family, and others, while 99.5% would like to attend future Escapes events.

In addition to the BFI-funded initiative’s cultural impact on individuals, Escapes also helps audiences re-engage with a sense of community. Through these screenings, the cinema is reframed as a hub for community and for engaging in culture, particularly for out-of-London audiences, where similar opportunities may not be as readily available. Ben Luxford, Director of UK Audiences at the BFI, shared: “We know film enriches people’s lives and that cinemas provide vital cultural spaces for local communities, we also know that financial barriers exist and can limit choice and opportunity. Partnering with 1155 on Escapes means we can provide more life-enriching experiences for more people, in their local area, and for free.”

This sentiment is echoed in Escapes audience feedback. “The film was awesome. Also, this was the cinema of my youth, and it was closed. I did not know it had reopened!” one cinemagoer shared. A local venue participating in Escapes details: “Very good turnout by the local community to see the film and in turn assisted in promoting the venue and future events/shows at South Mill Arts.” Bringing these positive cinema experiences to audiences nationwide leads people to rediscover and reconnect with their local independent cinemas, inspiring a lasting cinema-going habit. This is showcased by Escapes, as 54% of attendees were new to the cinema they attended or had not regularly attended before Escapes.

As well as breaking down financial and geographical barriers to entry, Escapes is helping to open doors to cinema by making independent cinema accessible to a variety of audiences. This is particularly prevalent with a film such as I Swear, a portrait of a commonly misunderstood disability. Escapes films screen with open caption subtitles and audio description as standard. Relaxed screenings are also available in a growing number of cinemas during carer-friendly hours. Escapes work ensures that cinema is truly available and accessible for everyone.