Sir Michael Balcon – Birmingham's Film Knight

3rd – 28th February 2020
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Birmingham born Sir Michael Balcon is featuring in an exhibition at the Bradshaw Gallery at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

The exhibition is dedicated to the film director who excelled and changed the British film industry for over half a century. Having been mentored by directors such as David Puttnam and Sir Alan Parker, Balcon produced a vast filmography of over 350 films. The show also coincides with a visit by the acclaimed actor Daniel Day Lewis who is Balcon’s grandson, who will be receiving his honorary doctorate from BCU in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the acting profession on 5th February at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Sir Michael Balcon was involved in many areas of the industry including time served as studio head at Gaumont-British and Ealing Studios. He helped set up the BAFTA awards and has an award named after him to commemorate his contribution to the industry. Balcon was also an integral part of the British Film Institute (BFI) experimental Film fund in the 50’s, now known as the BFI Film fund and now headed by Ben Roberts.