BFI NETWORK Short Film Fund returns

Great news for filmmakers across the Midlands — the BFI NETWORK Short Film Fund is officially back.

The fund has reopened to support teams of writers, directors and producers in creating a short film up to 15 minutes long. With awards of £5,000 - £25,000 this is your opportunity to tell bold stories, take the next step in your career and push your creativity, whether that be live action, animated or immersive/XR.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 18th March 2026, 11am.

For more details and how to apply

Events to support your application

We've put together a collection of events and opportunities to help you build connections and learn all about putting together your application.

Information Session

Wednesday 18th February I 6pm - 7.30pm I Online

An opportunity to learn more about BFI NETWORK Short Film Fund, as well as hear from some of the fund alumni about how they put together a successful application and film

Book Here

Speed Networking - Nottingham

Sunday 22nd February I 4.30pm - 6.30pm I Nottingham Contemporary

Join us for a fun Sunday afternoon of speed networking. We can't promise to solve all your team problems, but we can promise you will make a lot of new Midlands filmmaker connections.

Book Here

Speed Networking - Online

Wednesday 25th February I 6pm - 7.30pm I Online

If you can't make out Nottingham Speed Networking (or can't get enough of networking) we've got a second online edition to support you making new connections with fellow Midlands Creatives.

Book Here

Short Film Fund Application Walkthrough

Wednesday 4th March I 6pm - 7.30pm I Online

We will be talking through the Short Film Fund application form question by question, sharing how we assess the applications and answering any questions you might have along the way.

Book Here

BFI NETWORK X Borderlines Film Festival Mixer

Sunday 8th March I 4.30pm - 6.30pm I The Courtyard, Hereford

We will be at Borderlines for our annual filmmaker mixer following the Open Screen screening. An opportunity to network with local filmmakers as well as to hear more about our funding.

Book Here

Short Film Fund Budgeting Workshop

Wednesday 11th March I 6pm - 7.30pm I Online

We will be walking through a working budget for a short film, giving you top tips on completing the budget section of you application form as well as equipping you with knowledge for your short.

Book Here

Quick Question Friday

Friday 13th March I 9am - 6pm I Online

Got some quick questions for the final week of Short Film Fund applications? We've cleared a day of our calendar for a whole day of 15 minute slots to answer those last quick questions you might have

Book Here

Book a call with a Talent Executive - East Midlands

Are you in the East Midlands? Book a 30minute one-to-one call with a Talent Executive to take place either over zoom or by phone to ask any questions about your application.

Book Here

Book a call with a Talent Executive - West Midlands

Are you in the West Midlands? Book a 30minute one-to-one call with a Talent Executive to take place either over zoom or by phone to ask any questions about your application.

Book Here