IWC Schaffhausen announces three-year partnership with the British film institute

London, 16 December 2013 – The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has been appointed a partner of the BFI (British Film Institute) and the BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express® for 2014, 2015 and 2016. IWC will also be the headline sponsor of the BFI's fundraising gala LUMINOUS in 2015.

The announcement follows IWC Schaffhausen's long tradition of supporting film-making projects – a tradition which is evidenced by its established partnerships with the Tribeca Film Festival, the Dubai International Film Festival and the Beijing International Film Festival, and which demonstrates IWC's passion for film. IWC will also become the Official Time Partner of the BFI and the BFI London Film Festival from 2014.

“For many years now, we have had a passion for cinema. Every director tells a story with their films. At IWC, storytelling is part of the DNA of everything we do. It is therefore an absolute honour and privilege to be associated with such a highly regarded institution and a film festival which has depth and substance and that is globally renowned and respected,” comments IWC CEO Georges Kern. “Our desire is to nurture this incredibly special relationship, build an exceptional partnership, and to create and deliver impeccable events. Our brands share many qualities, such as a long history, a proud heritage and a passion for cinema. I believe that these qualities will continue to be nourished and communicated in the years ahead.”

IWC Schaffhausen has long-standing relationships with high-profile film stars and personalities including Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey and Cate Blanchett. IWC watches have also been the preferred choice of timepiece in a number of celebrated films, worn by actors playing leading roles in the thriller “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” and in the major box-office success “Ocean's Thirteen”.

BFI CEO Amanda Nevill comments on IWC's partnership with the Festival and the BFI: “We are delighted to be at the start of a partnership with IWC Schaffhausen that holds so much promise. It is a company that shares our values of creativity, passion and ambition, and we look forward very much to working with them in bringing these values to life in programmes that can delight, entertain and provide life-long memories.”

Ahead of the 2014 BFI London Film Festival, IWC will celebrate their partnership with a star-studded dinner in honour of the BFI. Simon Chambers, IWC UK Brand Director, comments: “The BFI is an exceptional charitable organization which relies on its supporters to fund its invaluable work as a guardian of our national film heritage. IWC is proud to be amongst those supporting the restoration, preservation and creation of film for the enjoyment of future generations. London is such a dynamic international city and the BFI London Film Festival offers IWC an opportunity not only to celebrate film but also the essence of both partners. We look forward to working with both the BFI and the Festival to create a most worthwhile partnership in the coming years.”