Between 2026 and 2029, up to 12 challenge calls will be identified where innovative new thinking could catalyse a step change in the industry, whilst producing learning and insights that benefit the whole screen sector.
Challenge Call 6 – In Our Hands
Funding available: up to £400,000.
Exploring the impacts of providing independent filmmakers with access to new technologies.
Who can apply
Not-for-profit organisations centrally managed in the UK. Collaborations of more than one organisation are eligible to apply, including “for-profit” and “not-for-profit” organisations, as long as the lead organisation is “not-for-profit”.
When you can apply
The deadline for applications is midnight on Thursday 9 April. Awards are expected to be made in August 2026.
You need to read the funding guidelines before you apply. The application link is included in the guidelines.
If you have any questions about the fund, email innovationchallengefund@bfi.org.uk
How to apply
You need to read the funding guidelines before you apply. The application link is included in the guidelines.
If you have any questions about the fund, email innovationchallengefund@bfi.org.uk
Get help with your application
We are committed to making our funding accessible to all. You can get help if you need support to apply for funding.
Previous challenge calls
Video games (challenge call 1)
The fund’s first challenge call supported innovation in the UK video games sector. Applications for this call are now closed.
Successful awardees have been announced (download the PDF).
You can also find information about the video game challenge call.
AI in screen and moving image archives (challenge call 2)
The fund’s second challenge call supported moving image archives to develop skills and AI literacy across the sector. Applications for this call are now closed.
The successful awardee has been announced. You can find information about the AI in screen challenge call.
Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) data for film production (challenge call 3)
The fund’s third challenge seeks to accelerate the research and innovation around equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) data monitoring, and support the development of the best possible system to do this work. Applications for this call are now closed.
You can find information about the EDI data for film production challenge call.
Equitable futures for the screen sector (challenge call 4)
Our fourth challenge call explored emerging technologies in the screen sector, and how we can better understand their impacts on sustainability, EDI and the future of the workforce. Applications for this call are now closed.
You can find information about the Equitable Futures for the Screen Sector challenge call.
Better data for independent film (challenge 5)
Our fifth Innovation Challenge call aims to establish new data collection and sharing models which would improve the quality, accessibility and wider use of data for the independent film sector.
You can find information about the Better Data for Independent Film challenge call.
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