Now in its 13th year, BFI NETWORK@LFF is a professional development programme that supports early career 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.
Successful applicants must be available to attend:
- 8 to 12 October 2026 (during the festival)
- a weekend in spring 2027 (up to four days – dates TBC)
Exact dates and programme details will be confirmed closer to the time. Within reason, travel and accommodation requirements will be covered as part of the scheme.
Programme cohorts will contribute towards achieving our inclusion targets for producers, writers and directors supported.
Who can apply
Applications are open to writers, directors and producer from all backgrounds working in fiction, documentary or hybrid media who have a creative track record of multiple projects in short film (immersive, music video, theatre, TV, web series may also be considered) that have garnered industry recognition by way of awards, critical praise, or a substantial online audience.
Based on previous rounds, we expect to receive up to 500 applications and can only offer 15 applicants a place on the programme.
If you are unsure if this year’s programme is suitable for you or if you have enough experience to apply, you can check the creative track record of our 2023 cohort, 2024 cohort and 2025 cohort to help inform your decision around your readiness to make an application.
When you can apply
Applications are open until 11am on Wednesday, 24 June 2026.
When you’ll hear from us
We’ll contact you by 31 July 2026 to let you know if we’re progressing your application to a later step in the assessment process or you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please do not contact us for updates about your application before this date.
Interviews are scheduled to take place online throughout the week commencing Monday, 3 August 2026.
How to apply
Before you apply, you must read the full guidelines.
If you have any questions relating to this opportunity or your application, you can email bfinetwork@bfi.org.uk.
Get help with your application
We’re committed to making our support accessible to all. If you have access requirements and need some support applying, see access support for BFI funding applicants.