For the first time in a generation, audiences across the UK will have the opportunity to enjoy Hugh Hudson and Lord Puttnam's Oscar®-winning Olympic drama Chariots of Fire (1981) on the big screen, as an official part of the London 2012 Festival celebrations.

Twentieth Century Fox will bring a new digitally re-mastered version of the film to over 100 cinema screens nationwide thanks to BFI funding. In a week when Lord Puttnam of Queensgate has called for more support for P&A; (Prints and Advertising) funding across the film industry, the BFI announces Lottery funding through its P&A; Fund to bring Chariots of Fire to cinemas up and down the UK from Friday 13 July - just two weeks before the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics.

The BFI has provided Lottery funding of £150K through its P&A; Fund to support the 2012 theatrical release of Chariots of Fire. The BFI's funding is specifically aimed at broadening the release of the film, to give audiences across the nations and regions of the UK the opportunity to see Chariots of Fire on the big screen in celebration of Britain’s filmmaking and sporting achievements.

Producer Lord Puttnam of Queensgate CBE said:

"Chariots of Fire is about guts, determination and belief. Just as the film succeeded in raising spirits and aspirations thirty years ago, I believe it could deliver exactly the same message today. At the heart of the film is the quest for Olympic glory, and I find it hard to imagine anything more likely to resonate throughout the country this summer."

Director Hugh Hudson said:

"Discretion, loyalty and self-sacrifice, questions of faith and refusal to compromise, standing for one's beliefs, achieving something for the sake of it, with passion, and not just for fame or financial gain, are even more vital and relevant today. Chariots is about these issues."

BFI CEO Amanda Nevill said:

"We're delighted that BFI funding will help bring Chariots of Fire to UK audiences this summer, widening the film’' reach outside London and supporting a series of exciting events that will bring together and celebrate British achievements in film and sport. In such a culturally significant year, and as Britain prepares to host the world's biggest sporting event, this film offers a real opportunity for audiences UK-wide to embrace the Olympic spirit."

Cameron Saunders, Managing Director, UK Theatrical at Twentieth Century Fox UK, said:

"Thanks to the BFI's support, audiences throughout the UK will be able to make Chariots of Fire their first Olympic experience of the summer. I challenge anyone not to be extraordinarily excited about London 2012, having enjoyed this most iconic Olympic film on the big screen."