The central focus of the Film & Video Distribution Database (FVDD) is
the distribution and promotion of artists' and independent film and video in the UK, particularly the work of:
- London Film-makers' Co-op (experimental film, founded 1966)
- The Other Cinema (independent feature films and political documentaries, founded 1969)
- London Video Arts/Access (video art, founded 1976)
- Cinema of Women (contemporary feminist feature films and documentaries, founded 1979)
- Circles (experimental feminist film/video and historical women's features films, founded 1980)
- Film and Video Umbrella (experimental film and video art touring programmes, founded 1983)
- Cinenova (successor to Circles, founded 1991)
- London Electronic Arts (London Video Arts/Access renamed in 1994)
- Lux (founded 1999 through the merger of London Film-makers' Co-op and London Electronic Arts)
However, these organisations did not operate in isolation. In some cases their constituencies set up their own campaigning bodies and exhibition initiatives, while funders have also been concerned with supporting the distribution and promotion of artists' and independent film and video. Furthermore, in 1982 Channel 4 entered the arena, offering new opportunities to film- and video-makers for commissioning and broadcast sales. To facilitate a fuller understanding of the distribution and promotion of artists' and independent film and video in the UK, the FVDD includes material from a wide range of organisations and individuals. Browsing a full listing in the Documents search option will give you a good idea of the scope of material currently held on the database.
