Film funding crisis mayhem

Film "I could list a number of young, critically revered filmmakers whose applications have been rejected by the New Cinema Fund, though clearly it might be damaging to their careers to do so (as is the case with anyone seeking public funds in any sphere). However, I know these filmmakers to be overflowing with the ideas needed to follow in the footsteps of filmmakers such as Derek Jarman, Sally Potter and Peter Greenaway -- all of whom, in the 1980s, were cultivated by the BFI production board. Instead, the New Cinema Fund has succeeded in cultivating anger and frustration in British film talent. So far, it?s a damaging legacy." -- Dave Calhoun for Time Out

A fabulously angry post at the TO Blog regarding the New Cinema Fund's attitude to handing out cash to young British film makers. Lest anyone wonder I'm posting it because of the passion on display. I don't really know enough about the subject to comment, other than to say that it's been an awfully long while since I saw a micro budget British film that I've adored -- actually it was probably My Summer Of Love. Perhaps it's my tastes. It just seems as though there's an attitude in this country that our indie films need to either be set in the inner city, about gangsters or horror or sometimes all three. Why can't we produce something either very challenging or warmhearted? Where are our Brick, Clerks or Kissing Jessica Stein?