BFI and Film4 Team Up for Second Round of Shorts Program
The British Film Institute (BFI) and Film4 have announced the return of their joint shorts program, with a high budget for its second iteration. This program aims to support emerging filmmakers in the UK, providing them with the necessary funds to create high-quality short films.
What the Program Offers
The program will provide six short film projects with funding between £60,000 and £90,000. The application process opened on September 8th and closed on October 20th. The selected projects will be announced in the coming months.
Goals of the Program
The main goal of the program is to support emerging filmmakers who lack the recognition and resources to take their careers to the next level. The fund is looking for projects that demonstrate a clear career progression, ambitious scope, and/or production requirements. The program aims to provide a platform for new and talented storytellers to showcase their work and gain industry recognition.
Previous Successes
The first iteration of the program supported nine projects in 2023, including the Edinburgh 2024 premiere of "homework" by Jamie di Spirito, the BFI London Film Festival 2024 premiere of "In the Heat" by Rory Fleck Byrne, and the Melbourne 2025 selection "Ikorodu Left in 1999" by Rashida Seriki and Motunrayo Abiola Olaka. Several teams from the first round are currently developing their debut features, demonstrating the program’s success in launching the careers of emerging filmmakers.
Funding and Partnerships
The Future Takes program is fully funded by the National Lottery and Film4, with contributions from the BFI Network’s early career program, including regional managers. The partnership between the BFI and Film4 is a key aspect of the program, providing a unique opportunity for emerging filmmakers to access funding, mentorship, and industry support.
Quotes from Industry Leaders
Alice Cabañas, head of the BFI Network, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, "We are pleased to confirm this partnership with Film4. The first round of Future Takes was incredibly positive, with many of the participating filmmakers already in active development on their debut features. We hope that the next cohort will achieve a similar level of success and lay the foundations for a new wave of talented storytellers." Farhana Bhula, interim director of Film4, added, "We are thrilled to be working with the BFI again to build on the momentum of Future Takes. When we launched the fund for the first time, we were impressed by the volume of quality applications and met many inspiring writers, directors, and producers from across the UK."
