Film buffs are to be treated to an investment in 'specialised films' as independent cinemas snap up lottery monies channelled into boosting cultural viewing.

A £17m Film Council fund has been made available to increase the range and diversity of films on offer across the UK. The Council will work with existing screens and refurbish and build new screens where needed. Digital projection equipment will be installed in under-resourced areas and distribution subsidised.

'There has been a failure of the market to meet the audience appetite across the UK for a broader range of films,' said Film Council chief executive officer, John Woodward. Details: www.filmcouncil.org.uk

In a separate flush of cinematic enthusiasm, Peter Simon, owner of Monsoon, has reopened London's oldest purpose-built picture house, the Electric Cinema, as part of Nick Jones' Electric House complex with bar and brasserie, private club, dining room and meeting rooms.

Gebler Tooth and Michaelis Boyd's £5m restoration embraced mosaic floors, gold swags and gilded ticket booth. Details: +44 020 8600 2800