BFI Film Academy 2025/26 applications are now OPEN!
We’re looking for 10 young filmmakers and film fans aged 16-19 to take part in our BFI Film Academy 2025/26. Over the course of 5 months, you will work with your fellow young filmmakers to make a short film from start to finish.
Guided by a team of industry professionals, you’ll learn everything from development, production and post-production through an exciting range of practical and theoretical sessions. You’ll gain hands-on experience shooting on location using industry level equipment, developing practical filmmaking skills including camera work, directing, sound recording, producing, editing and more.
The academy will conclude with a celebration screening at HOME in Manchester, where you can invite your friends and family to watch your film on the big screen. Whether you are an avid filmmaker, have studied film or are just starting out with a passion to learn more, then this is the opportunity for you!
a BFI Film Academy Short Course delivered by Aunty Social CIC
Course Information
The BFI Film Academy Short Course is an intensive filmmaking course for all levels. It is designed to help train and inspire the next generation of UK filmmakers and production crew, supporting 16 to 19-year-olds to develop new skills and gain commercial and cultural knowledge to help build a career in the screen industries.
You’ll learn the whole filmmaking process, creating a short film production like the professionals, with the professionals, for a hands-on, industry reflective experience.
You will have
- Access to professional kit and creative spaces
- Mentoring from experienced filmmakers
- A chance to make your own short film
- A screening of your work in cinemas in Blackpool & Manchester
- A portfolio to showcase your experience and work, perfect for job or university applications
It’s a commitment, but well worth it!
About you
No previous experience of film making is required, just a love of film and a keen interest to work in the film industry. This course focuses on developing the practical skills to help you gain a foothold in the industry. Especially in the areas with most work opportunities, such as:
- Art/Craft Department: Sets, costume, props
- Technical Department: Camera skills, sound, lighting
- Post-Production Department: Editing
You’ll be:
- Aged 16-19 years
- A UK resident
- Passionate about filmmaking with an ambition to work in the screen industries
- Able to commit to the duration of the course
- Not currently enrolled at university when the course starts
- A ‘first time’ BFI Film Academy course participant
Places are fully subsidised, we will provide lunches at full day sessions and travel bursaries are available.
The BFI Film Academy encourages young people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply. When you apply, we will ask you about any learning support or access requirements that you may have.
Course Dates 2025/26
All sessions will take place during evenings, weekends or half term. See the full list of dates below:
- Tues 14 October (evening) 17:45-20:15
- Sat 25 October (full day) – day trip to HOME Manchester
- Tues 28 October (full day) 10:00-17:00
- Weds 29 October (full day) 10:00-17:00
- Thurs 30 October (full day) 10:00-17:00
- Sat 8 November (full day) 10:00-17:00
- Sat 15 November (full day) – shoot day
- Sun 16 November (full day) – shoot day
- Sat 22 November (full day) – shoot day
- Sat 6 December (full day) 10:00-17:00
- Sat 13 December (full day) 10:00-17:00
- Sat 10 January 2026 (full day) 10:00-17:00
- Thurs 26 February 2026 (evening) – celebration event at HOME Manchester
Please note that we will check everyone’s availability at the 1st session on 14 October and may be able to make some adjustments to suit the group.
Venues
Sessions will take place at:
- Aunty Social, 28 Topping St, Blackpool, FY1 3AQ
- HOME Manchester, 2 Tony Wilson Place, M15 4FN
How to apply
If you would like to take part, please complete the application form to tell us more about yourself and why you want to be a part of this year’s BFI Film Academy.
It’s likely that more people will apply than available places, so any evidence you have of your passion or talent will help your application.
We strongly encourage you to save your supporting statements in a word document and copy and paste them into the application form to avoid losing your work.
Every course is open to young people from anywhere in the UK and from any background. No academic education or degree is necessary.
The deadline for applications is 8pm on Tuesday 30 September
If you have any questions or want to chat to a member of the team before applying, please email us.
What the 2024 cohort had to say
Here are some thoughts shared by a few of our previous BFI Film Academy participants about their experiences on the course:
“I was able to actually use a camera and recognise what each button does, more comfortably use Premiere Pro and work with producers to keep everything on track”
“I got a job through this, and I also got something to add onto my CV!”
“I loved being a leader for my team and realised that I don’t have to do everything myself. I am used to being a one person production team so this experience was very valuable to me. I also learnt that I love seeing others thrive in their own specialist roles.”
