UK Cinema Chief Urges Filmmakers to Create Shorter Movies

Clare Binns, creative director at Picturehouse Cinemas, recently advocated for shorter films in the UK cinema industry. She is set to receive the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the upcoming EE BAFTA Film Awards. Binns emphasized the importance of considering audiences when creating films.

Call for Shorter Films

Binns expressed her views during discussions with producers, suggesting they remind directors that films should cater to viewer preferences. She noted that many movies could benefit from reducing runtimes by at least 20 minutes, which would allow for more showings each evening.

“If filmmakers want their work in theaters, audiences must feel comfortable committing to that time,” Binns said.

Industry Debate on Film Length

The conversation about movie runtimes has sparked significant debate among directors and cinema professionals. While some advocate for shorter films, others defend longer runtimes. For instance, Paul Thomas Anderson’s crime drama, *One Battle After Another* (2025), received 13 Oscar nominations, despite its lengthy 162-minute duration, indicating a continued audience interest in longer narratives.

• Film: *One Battle After Another* (2025)
• Runtime: 162 minutes
• Oscar Nominations: 13

Brady Corbet, director of the 215-minute film *The Brutalist* (2024), also weighed in. He dismissed concerns over runtime, likening it to criticism of lengthy books. Corbet argued for creative freedom in film length.

Support from Renowned Directors

Martin Scorsese, whose 206-minute film *Killers of the Flower Moon* (2023) garnered 10 Oscar nominations in 2024, shared similar sentiments. He noted that viewers often engage with longer content on television and in theater performances.

• Film: *Killers of the Flower Moon* (2023)
• Runtime: 206 minutes
• Oscar Nominations: 10

“You can sit in front of the TV for hours, so why not give films the same respect?” Scorsese remarked.

The ongoing discourse around film length reflects the evolving expectations of audiences and the creative freedoms of filmmakers. As more directors weigh in, it remains to be seen how this will impact film production in the UK and beyond.