By Dirk Langeveld

Bond. James Bond. Image from Fairfield University

FAIRFIELD — Fairfield University has established a partnership with the British Film Institute, creating new educational opportunities related to cultural contributions from across the pond.

The agreement makes Fairfield University the first university partner of BFI in the United States. It also adds to the university’s existing partnerships with educational institutions across the United Kingdom.

“We are pleased and excited to have formed this partnership with the British Film Institute as we continue to grow and evolve as a University, broadening the learning opportunities for our students while serving our friends and neighbors as the preeminent center for cultural experiences that inspire the imagination,” said Fairfield University Provost Christine Siegel, PhD. “We are honored, as well, to be the BFI’s first higher education partner in the United States and look forward to exploring the rich heritage of British film together, expanding the cultural dialogue through our shared appreciation of the rich history and significance of film as an art form—one that continues to play such a significant role in the global culture.”

Study abroad opportunities

The partnership supports several educational initiatives, including study abroad opportunities at the BFI National Archive in London. Described as “one of the world’s greatest collections of screen heritage,” the trip will support students in a class covering British film between 1920 and 1960. Plans also include an alumni trip to BFI and remote classes, taught by British film professionals, on different aspects of film production, marketing, and business.

The BFI National Archive documents the history, culture, and everyday life of the United Kingdom, encompassing screen industries such as film, television, moving image, video games, and extended reality. In a reflection of the strong creative partnership between the U.K. and the United States, the archive holds more than 25,000 American film and television works.

“We are delighted to partner with Fairfield University and to launch this ambitious

collaboration,” said Simone Pyne, head of enterprise and learning partnerships at the BFI. “The BFI has deep and longstanding ties with the United States across our work. We partner regularly with Hollywood studios, and U.S. cultural organizations and institutions. Our screen industries have long inspired one another and the BFI National Archive is home to one of the world’s great collections of U.S. screen heritage outside of the United States. Through the partnership, we’ll work with students and faculty to deepen their appreciation of film and understanding of the history of the moving image, and to support students’ abilities.”

Film screenings

The partnership includes access to the BFI Player, a subscription streaming video service. This will enable Fairfield University’s students and faculty to access archival works, while also supporting public-facing events.

In recognition of the partnership, the university will host a fall film series entitled “Bond and the Beatles: British Film Icons of the 1960s.” Screenings at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts will include A Hard Day’s Night on Oct. 7th and Thunderball on Nov. 23rd. A screening of Goldfinger is also planned.

The film series will be presented by Jay Rozgonyi, an instructor in film studies at Fairfield University. It will examine how The Beatles and James Bond emerged as major cultural influences during the 1960s, transforming the image of Britain and providing enduring resonance throughout global popular culture.

A BFI curator will provide a brief video introduction before each film to place it within its historical and cultural context.

Expanded coverage of Fairfield County cultural events is made possible with support from the Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts

Dirk Langeveld

Dirk Langeveld has worked as a news reporter, content marketing specialist, and freelance writer. He is the author of “The Artful Dodger: The 20-Year Pursuit of World War I Draft Dodger Grover Cleveland Bergdoll” and has contributed to several books on Connecticut history.