In December a visit by Simon Farley, Head of Business Development, Creative Industries, British Council Thailand, meant discussion was focussed on the movies and wider arts events as part of a reflection on the global creative industry.

On 12 December 2011, ahead of an award ceremony by YxineFF 2011, the hosts of an annual online short film festival, the British Council Vietnam and YxineFF co-organised a networking event with participants from Vietnam and other countries.

Simon gave an overview of the recent history of UK government policies and measures to encourage investment in culture, with a particular focus on film and the role of agencies such as Film London and the UK Film Council. Simon also looked at the role of the private sector in UK arts development, from his direct experience of managing a range of high profile public festivals and media events with multiple sponsoring partners.

The event received attendance from more than 50 people working in the film industry in Vietnam and international.

Simon’s CV includes managing sponsorship campaigns for the British Film Institute, including the annual London Film Festival, to being Head of Corporate Relations for BAFTA. Simon has also worked as a business development consultant for many high profile UK organisations including the Greater London Authority, Film London and the UK Film Council On the 15 December in Hanoi, Mr Farley was also a guest speaker for a joint event organised by Goethe-Institute, British Council, L’Espace and the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism (MOCST) – Department of International Cooperation. The workshop was entitled: “Sustainable Cultural Policy and Cultural Management in a Globalised World”.

A day later, Simon Farley completed his trip to Vietnam by a presenting at the Symposium for Cinema Development Policy organised by Cinema Department – Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism at the National Film Festival in Phu Yen province.