A PANEL of experts will tomorrow debate how British film has affected the way we see ourselves.

Beyond the Box Office, a free event from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at the University of York, has been organised by the UK Film Council, Screen Yorkshire and the university. It is open to anyone with an interest in film.

The debate will be followed by a reception and tour of the university’s new £24 million department of theatre, film and television’s facilities, including two theatres, two television studios, a large sound stage, production laboratories and a digital cinema.

Sally Joynson, chief executive of Screen Yorkshire, said: “Film is one of the key art forms in all our lives now and Yorkshire has become a leading production base in recent years hosting films such as The Damned United, Red Riding, Brideshead Revisited and Andrea Arnold’s new version of Wuthering Heights.

“This event will stimulate us to think further about how film can benefit society culturally and there should be some very interesting debate.”

Professor Andrew Higson, from the film and television department, will chair the debate.

He said: “The debate is likely to range across a number of key issues including how audiences perceive a film’s nationality and origins, the influence of broadcasters, distributors and exhibitors, and how the arrival of the digital age affects the audience.”

Other participants will be Andy Harries, producer of The Damned United and The Queen; Estelle Morris, former Secretary of State for Education and Skills and Minister for the Arts; and Duncan Petrie, professor of film and television at the university.

Anyone wishing to attend can reserve a place by emailing info@screenyorkshire.co.uk