Delivered by Eye Film in partnership with the Sir John Hurt Film Trust and Cinema City
26–30 October 2026
OVERVIEW
Are you passionate about film and interested in a career in the screen industries?
BFI Film Academy offers 20 aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to develop practical skills, work with experienced industry professionals, and produce a short documentary as part of a filmmaking team.
Delivered by Eye Film during the October half-term, the course will take participants through the process of developing, filming, and completing a short documentary. The finished films will be showcased at a public screening at Cinema City.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Develop practical filmmaking skills
Gain hands-on experience across documentary storytelling, camera operation, sound recording, interviewing, production, and post-production.
Make a short documentary
Work collaboratively with other young filmmakers to develop an idea and produce a completed short film using professional equipment.
Learn from industry professionals
Receive practical guidance from working filmmakers and gain a clearer understanding of the roles, skills, and opportunities available within the screen industries.
Screen your work at Cinema City
The completed films will be presented to an audience at a public screening at Cinema City in Norwich.
AFTER THE ACADEMY
After completing the course, you will join the national BFI Film Academy alumni network, providing access to further development opportunities, industry events, career talks, and specialist residential programmes.
WHO CAN APPLY
You can apply if you:
- Will be aged 16–19 on 1 September 2026
- Are a UK resident
- Have a passion for filmmaking and an ambition to work in the film industry
- Can attend all five days of the course
- Are not currently enrolled at university
- Have not previously completed a BFI Film Academy course
Applicants aged 20–25 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan may also be eligible.
No previous filmmaking experience or formal qualifications are required. Applications are particularly welcomed from young people who are disabled, neurodivergent, experiencing mental health difficulties, or from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
READY TO APPLY?
Applications are managed by the Sir John Hurt Film Trust. Visit their website to read the complete application guidance and submit your application.
Applications close on 30 September 2026.