Film is Fabulous! has changed in 2025. It’s transitioned from a project run by film collectors and enthusiasts, in conjunction with the film and television historians at De Montfort University in Leicester, to a trust with charitable aims, and all of the associated legal obligations, which can now accept donations from our supporters. The change has been important, because it provides structure and a long-term plan.

In 2026, the organisation will transition further. We have applied to become a registered charity, as we will then be able to offer tax exemptions, such as Gift Aid for U.K. tax-payers, and to apply for substantial funding from grant giving bodies, such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This vital income will underpin the initiative moving forward, and will fund the development of several educational elements, including:

• Our new research programme on ‘The History of Film Collecting’.
• Interviews with film collectors and former industry professionals.
• A series of podcasts on key themes and selected projects.
• Videos with technical demonstrations on film preservation.

Once we are a registered charity we will also launch a new supporter programme in 2026. The programme will include:

• Announcements of the private collections we are cataloguing.
• Exclusive events and the screening of material we’ve recovered.
• Information on the missing and rare items that we’ve found.
• Volunteering opportunities, especially in areas like research.

The changes will reflect the central objective of Film is Fabulous! which is to recover vulnerable film collections as a whole, not to conduct a ‘treasure hunt’ for missing films or episodes of vintage television. They will also mean a formalisation of the roles being played by key individuals.

The three initial trustees of The Film is Fabulous Trust, are:

• Justin Smith (Chair)
• John Franklin
• Sue Malden

Nominated trustees, for appointment in early 2026, are:

• Alicia Henfrey
• Simon Nicholls
• Laraine Porter

The trust is registered at the following address:

The Film is Fabulous Trust
c/o Rollasons Solicitors
2B Station Road
Lutterworth
LE17 4AP

Email: admin@filmisfabulous.org.uk

The trustees are supported by a panel of advisors, who provide technical assistance and support on a series of matters, when necessary. The panel of advisors have no formal, or legal, obligations.

Film is Fabulous! Preserving film treasures for future generations.

24th November 2025