BFI NETWORK@LFF

Now in its 12th year, BFI NETWORK@LFF is a professional development programme that supports emerging writers, directors and producers working towards their debut feature film.

Made possible thanks to National Lottery funding, it provides an incredible opportunity for up to 15 UK-based screenwriters, directors, and producers working in fiction and documentary to engage in the BFI London Film Festival programme, attend industry events, and meet with leading filmmakers and professionals.

The programme combines curated conversations, facilitated networking and exclusive opportunities to interact with filmmakers and industry guests. Participants will also receive accreditation for the duration of the festival.  

We collaborate with BFI Doc Society Fund to plan cross-discipline elements of our programme and work with them to select a small group of documentary and hybrid filmmakers to join the cohort.  

Programme cohorts are included in our inclusion targets for writers, directors and producers which are:

• Disabled (including those with a longstanding physical or mental condition and those identifying as D/deaf or neurodiverse) – 18%
• Black and Global Majority (London) – 40%
• Black and Global Majority (outside London) – 30%
• Gender balance – of those identifying within the gender binary (also monitoring trans and non-binary identities) – 50:50
• Sexual identity (other than heterosexual) – 10%
• Working-class background – 39%

Programme highlights

Access to the festival and industry programme 

Participants will receive accreditation for the duration of the BFI London Film Festival and will have the chance to attend industry talks and screenings. Recommendations will be made along with scheduled time to engage with the festival freely. 

Networking opportunities

The cohort will be invited to industry events throughout the opening weekend of the festival to meet filmmakers and other guests. There will also be a BFI NETWORK alumni lunch and similar events with attendance from BFI, BBC Film and Film4.

Introduction to BFI Filmmaking Fund 

BFI Stephen Street will be the main venue, with a dedicated space for the cohort. As part of the event, members of the BFI Filmmaking Fund will meet with filmmakers to discuss the festival and their picks.

Guests + filmmaker Q&As

A selection of guests will be invited to meet the cohort for a Q&A on their work, and a follow-up weekend in spring 2026 will feature curated film screenings alongside masterclasses with filmmakers and industry professionals.