These guidelines were updated on 3 November 2025.
Overview
Supporting the exhibition and distribution of ambitious, audience-facing film and immersive projects activity supported by the Audience Projects Fund will bring independent UK and international films to audiences across the UK in a dynamic and original way. The fund will also support sector-facing projects that support the industry to adapt, innovate and develop ambition and resilience.
Projects must be high-profile and able to attract national press and media coverage. With a focus on increasing access and encouraging audiences to take risks in the viewing choices they make, supported projects will grow the participation of audiences that are representative of the UK population. Equal priority will be given to the cultural and social ambitions of projects.
The fund will support organisations with multi-year and short-term projects as well as smaller pilot projects from organisations new to the fund.
Who can apply
You’ll need experience of one or more of the following:
- marketing initiatives
- film festivals
- film distribution, including cinema and online
- immersive installations and tours
- major cultural festivals and programmes of national scale and ambition
- in-venue programmes or seasons
- touring projects
- in-venue audience analysis projects
- strategic sector support initiatives
When you can apply
Opens on 3 November 2025.
Applications are accepted year-round.
If your project relates to the distribution of a single film, your application must be submitted no later than 10 weeks before the film’s release date.
For all other applications, you must apply at least 16 weeks before your project start date. Applications submitted less than 16 weeks before the start of a project are ineligible and will be declined.
How to apply
You can apply online once you’ve read the funding guidelines in full. There is an application link in the guidelines.
Successful applications will need to address all the aims and priorities so please read the fund guidelines carefully before applying.
We strongly encourage you to discuss your project with the Audiences team before making an application.
If you have any questions about this fund or your application, email audiencefund@bfi.org.uk.
Get help with your application
We are committed to making our funding accessible to all. If you have access requirements and need some support applying for funding, see Access support for BFI funding applicants.
About BFI National Lottery funding
Since the very first National Lottery draw in 1994, more than £50 billion for good causes has been raised directly through National Lottery ticket sales, funding more than 700,000 projects.
As a recipient of National Lottery funding, it is important to publicly acknowledge the source of this funding ensuring that those engaging with your work recognise the value and benefit of this unique Good Cause funding.
If your application is successful, you will be responsible for prominently crediting BFI National Lottery funding and thanking National Lottery players. To communicate this message, you should ensure that the elements of your project which have the potential to engage a broad public audience are capitalised on. More details will be supplied once an award has been made.
