We're honoured to be able to support six new projects in the Midlands, which are crucial to the fabric of our independent sector, with £34, 832.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to apply. The fund was very competitive and ultimately was oversubscribed.

Supported by National Lottery funding, the BFI FAN Film Exhibition Fund aims to support cinemas, art centres, festivals and community groups looking to deliver a broad range of cultural programming and reconnect with audiences.

National Treasure Celia Imrie surprises Warwick Arts Centre with £10,000 National Lottery funding from our Film Exhibition Fund.

Claudia Winkleman, as ambassador-in-chief of the Because of You campaign, celebrates the inspiring stories made possible by National Lottery funding, and has been travelling the UK to see the impact it has had on local community good causes.

As part of the Because of You campaign, Celia Imrie made a surprise appearance at Warwick Arts Centre in Coventry to announce the venue's success in receiving National Lottery funding from our Film Exhibition Fund award on behalf of the British Film Institute's (BFI) Film Audience Network.

The funding will enable Warwick Arts Centre to host "Handle with Care", an uplifting themed cinema season exploring how we care for ourselves and each other. Exploring care in its many forms through three programme strands, it includes:

  • Cosy Classics - a selection of beloved films with a focus on cinematic self-care, where audiences can bring blankets, enjoy hot drinks and engage in discussion
  • Care on Screen - contemporary films exploring caregiving roles across different cultures
  • Care Behind the Scenes - screenings and workshops on ethical filmmaking, consent, and community care

Enjoy taking a look through the full list of successful applicants below, including Warwick Arts Centre. We are really impressed with the creativity and level of enthusiasm for this year.

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Warwick Arts Centre - £10,000

Handle with Care, a themed cinema season exploring care in its many forms with 3 programme strands: Cosy Classics, Care on Screen and Care Behind the Scenes. The season will target underrepresented audiences and those less engaged since the pandemic.

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New Art Exchange, Nottingham - £4,366

The Community Cinema project will offer free screenings alongside their community kitchen. Each month curating film and food to centre around a different culture reflecting the lived experience of Nottingham's migrant and diaspora communities.

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Northampton Film Festival

Northampton Film Festival 2026 - £7000

A nine day festival screening local and British independent short and feature length films. This year giving young people the opportunity to curate events for their peers through the Young Programmers scheme and youth disability board.

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Northampton Filmhouse - £6000

Introducing a student membership aimed at people aged 16 - 25, giving them opportunities to engage with the film programmer for opportunities to curate screenings.

Expanding their world cinema programme with atleast 17 titles over 23 weeks.

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Filmgage, Birmingham 2025 - £4,800

FILM/GAGE Film Festival returns in 2025. Aiming to engage with forgotten minority groups such as South Asian, Caribbean and Ukranian groups. Working with embedded venues and community champions to reach as a diverse an audience as possible.

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Tin music and arts

The Tin Music and Arts, Coventry - £2,666

The launch of From the Vaults, a programme of independent film and documentary screenings which focus on music.

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