OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS | Rip It Up: Here’s to the joy and defiance of being young in the UK
Delivered in partnership with BFI, FAN is proud to unveil the new UK-wide season – RIP IT UP - where audiences are invited to celebrate 75 years of youth culture in the UK. Here’s to the defiance and the joy of being young in the UK.
May - October 2026
Find out how to apply below
What is "RIP IT UP"?
Rip It Up explores and celebrates the changing face of youth rebellion, culture and expression, from joy to heartbreak - on screen in the UK.
Youth culture in the UK has a wide and varied history, from the defiant rebellion of Teddy Boys, mods and rockers and the many activist movements that have shaped our society, to hedonistic self-expression in the music and fashion scenes and the emotional rollercoaster that simply is being a teenager, all of which have been portrayed on screen in a multitude of ways.
With the Southbank Centre marking the 75th anniversary of the Festival of Britain - a landmark moment of post-war cultural renewal - and the 50th anniversary of Punk being celebrated in 2026, BFI FAN members are invited to join in these UK-wide celebrations and explore how youth scenes and counterculture have impacted and resonate to this day, inspiring new generations and beyond.
Backed by a UK-wide Press and marketing campaign and a central listing platform, the season will have a broad audience appeal.
Rip It Up has two core elements, both of which need to include big-screen moments and offer audiences opportunities to reflect on the evolution of generational rebellion from the 1950s through to today, here in the UK.
- Activity involving young programmers/creatives, focusing on youth scenes and/or counterculture that they themselves are part of or can relate to, with clear potential to engage their peers.
- Activity celebrating the transformative energy and evolution of youth culture over the past 75 years, tapping into a selection of key titles with potential to engage a range of audiences across generations.
Where do I start?
You must be a member of Film Hub Midlands to access support from this programme.
To be eligible for support, organisations must be registered members of Film Hub Midlands and be legally constituted with a nominated UK Bank Account. Proposals from individuals or non-members will not be considered.
Once you're registered, take a look at the Creative Brief below for more information about the programme scope and to get some inspiration.
Also, get ideas from the list of contextual titles that are available to book.
What support is available?
You can engage with the programme and access support by applying to screen MENU titles.
MENU: Access up to £500 (£125 per film) for programme enhancement, wraparound activity and audience development when you book one or more of the key titles.
You will be asked to fill in an application form online and upload a budget in the template provided.
Period of activity:
The bulk of the season takes place in May-October 2026 across the FAN membership.
Key dates:
o Menu applications open until Monday, 7 Sept 2026 (subject to funds
remaining)
▪ Menu Expressions of Interest can be submitted until Monday, 7
September 2026 (but note that for your activity to be included in
initial listings announcement, you will need to confirm your
bookings by the end of April.)
Accessibility:
If you require any access needs for completing the form, you may email us directly at hello@filmhubmidlands.org, and we can advise how we can accommodate your needs to complete a proposal.
You can find further support for access here.
How do I apply?
First, please carefully read the Creative Brief and Funding Guidelines listed below. A list of contextual titles is available to book and browse for inspiration for your own programmes.
All MENU applications are to be submitted via the Airtable link below
If you require this application form in a different format, please let us know.