BFI NETWORK supports early career filmmakers across the UK with talent development programmes, labs, mentorships, and grants. We work with key UK industry partners such as BAFTA, BFI Flare, the BFI London Film Festival and the British Council to provide valuable professional development opportunities for growth and furthering your creative practice. On this page you’ll find details about BFI NETWORK opportunities alongside development labs that are supported through the BFI National Lottery Creative Challenge Fund.
Open opportunities
Short film and VR festival travel grant
In partnership with British Council, we offer travel grants to early career filmmakers just starting to build an international profile.
Find out more and applyManchester Animation Festival – Animation Featured
Animation Featured is a high-impact development accelerator designed to bridge the gap between creative vision and marketplace readiness for six UK independent animated feature films. Deadline: Sunday 16 August.
Find out more and applyScreen Argyll – Sea Change Animated Women
Sea Change Animated Women will advance six animated feature film projects, currently at early-to-mid development stage. They welcome applications from women and marginalised gendered animators transitioning from short-form into feature storytelling. Deadline: Monday 10 August.
Find out more and applySheffield DocFest – Queer Realities Director’s Lab
Designed to empower 20 early-career, queer filmmakers over two editions (2027 and 2028), Queer Realities Director’s Lab aims to foster creative freedom and encourage risk-taking within cross-genre documentary filmmaking. Opens: Wednesday 12 August 17:00. Deadline: Tuesday 25 August.
Find out more and apply