BFI Future Film Academy at BFI Southbank

Offering 20 aspiring young filmmakers a fun and practical talent development programme as part of the national BFI Film Academy scheme.

BFI Future Film students shooting a scene
BFI Future Film students shooting a scene

At BFI Southbank we deliver one of 45 nationwide BFI Film Academy Short Courses.

Our intensive programme includes hands-on filmmaking workshops, technical training, masterclasses with filmmakers, plus access to screenings at the BFI London Film Festival and regular BFI Film Academy talks and events.

Our participants will produce short films inspired by a current BFI season. Past seasons have included Gothic, Sci-Fi, Experimental film, Comedy Genius and Redefining Rebellion.

Watch some of the films we have produced

Participants are actively involved in the exhibition and distribution of their work and have the opportunity to gain NCFE Preparing to Work in the Film Industry accreditation.

Who can apply

We invite applications from anyone who:

  • lives in Greater London
  • is aged 16 to 19 
  • has a passion for cinema and filmmaking

We do not accept applications from anyone who has previously attended a BFI Film Academy course or is currently at university.

Applications for our 2022 course have now closed. Details about how to apply for our next course will appear on this page on 1 August 2023.

BFI Film Academy UK Network supported by Department for Education, The National Lottery, Creative Scotland, Northern Ireland Screen
Supporters of BFI Film Academy