Hanson spent 10 years working at The Script Factory.

The British Council has appointed Briony Hanson as its new Director Film.

Hanson is well known in the industry. She spent the past 10 years as producer then a director of The Script Factory, a training and development group for filmmakers. Prior to that, she was head of the programme unit at the British Film Institute, director of Newcastle’s Tyneside Cinema, and she has also been a programming tutor, film critic and university lecturer. From 1996 to 2000, she co-programmed the London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival.

She takes the post in mid-July.

One of the British Council film team’s core aims is finding overseas partners or festival berths for UK films and filmmakers.

Hanson said: “Much of my career has been focused on training, developing and supporting British film talent. To get the chance now to help promote and celebrate that talent internationally is hugely exciting. While it was a hard decision to leave The Script Factory, I simply couldn’t resist the chance to join the British Council.”

Graham Sheffield, British Council Director Arts, added: “Her creativity and experience will add further strength to the British Council’s UK arts team and regional network. Briony’s skills and ideas will ensure a strong profile for film within the arts and the British Council’s global activity.”

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