Are you a filmmaker aged 16 to 25? Would you like one of your short films to be considered for inclusion in the 18th BFI Future Film Festival, in February 2025?

We’re inviting filmmakers to submit their work to the BFI Future Film Festival, the UK's largest film festival for young people. This year we have a number of cash prizes up for grabs to support your next film and your career.

The 2025 festival will take place in London, in venues across the UK, and online; we're committed to making it as accessible as possible to all filmmakers based in the UK and internationally. If your film is selected, you will be invited to attend the festival at the BFI Southbank in London, across the UK, or online.

Your short must be 10 minutes or under in length, have been produced in the last two years and be an interesting and original concept, with good production values and an entertaining subject matter. You must have been aged 16-25 when you made the film.

Before you apply, please read the rules and terms below. For more information about the festival, head to the BFI website (bfi.org.uk/future-film-festival).

BFI Future Film Festival is a qualifying festival for the BIFA Best British Shorts category.

Good luck!

Awards & Prizes

The BFI Future Film Festival recognises films in the below categories with a number of cash and in-kind prizes:

• Best Animation
• Best Documentary
• Best Experimental Film
• Best Micro Short (under 3 mins in duration)
• Best International Film
• International Special Mention
• Best Writer
• Best Director
• Best Film
• Best New Talent

Rules & Terms

Before you send us your film, please make sure you have read the following:

- The director(s), producer(s) and screenwriter(s) must have been aged 25 or under when the film was completed. This does not include the actors, who can be of any age.

- Films must not have been completed earlier than 5 August 2022

- Films can be any style or genre, but must be no more than 10 minutes in length.

- All the images and soundtracks used in your film must be your own or you must have permission of the copyright holder to use their music/images in your film.

- Films in a language other than English must be subtitled in English, unless dialogue or commentary is unnecessary for comprehension and appreciation.

- To be eligible for the International Short Film Awards the filmmaker/submitter must be based outside of the UK or a non-UK passport holder whose normal domicile is outside the UK. (‘Normal domicile outside the UK’ meaning that the person has lived in the UK for less than 2 years and does not intend to stay permanently). International students currently studying in the UK and those within the country temporarily are eligible to apply.

- By submitting your film to the Future Film Festival you give us permission to screen your film at screening(s) during the Festival and at special preview screenings or at spin off screenings such as BFI Film Academy events or UK Wide Future Film Festival events. You are also giving us permission to acquire the rights to put your film into the BFI National Film and Television Archive, to screen through an online platform during the festival, and for an agreed period after the festival. This may include other BFI Future Film Festival and Film Academy channels or BFI partner platforms for an agreed time period. Full details will be confirmed in your festival selection email if shortlisted for the programme.

- We do not guarantee films will be selected for the Future Film Festival, but we will notify all submitters, whether selected or not, by Dec 23 2024.

- If selected, we will require you to send two still images from your film, a headshot and 5s and 15s clean clips of your films to use for promotional material relating to the festival.

- The festival does not agree to pay license or screening fees for selected films in the programme. If you need more information please get in touch at filmacademy@bfi.org.uk

44 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • Us-Man Dere

    Amazing programming team, large up the events team for scheduling the workshops! Met amazing film professionals and stunning upcoming filmmakers! Thank You for the Win! REBIRTH 2025

    March 2025
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  • Shane Chung

    THE best festival experience I've ever had. Well-run, organized, packed schedule, met so many kind fellow filmmakers, and the staff are genuinely in the business of getting young filmmakers kickstarted in their career. Attending in-person was one of the best decisions I've made in my life!

    March 2025
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  • Lada Kopytova

    It was an amazing experience having my short, Blueprint, be part of 18th edition of BFI Future Film Festival - from the moment of receiving the notification to screening my film in Bristol as part of the BFI nation wide film programme.

    The film curation is top level and I've enjoying each of the screening blocks immensely. The team very excellent at communicating the events and making me feel welcomed. 10/10 would recommend to all filmmakers under 25 to apply!

    March 2025
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  • Andrea Figueroa

    A heartwarming celebration of Global cinema, this festival showcases diverse stories with passion and care. From the warm welcome to the nurturing atmosphere, I loved every aspect from creativity to connection. The curators' dedication to emerging filmmakers is evident, creating a space where talents converge and future collaborations are born. An inspiring experience that leaves you grateful and eager to return. Thank you for having Lillo.

    July 2024
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  • Justin Kaminuma

    By far my favorite film festival experience. Incredibly well-organized and inspiring. Exceptional programming showcasing a variety of films from the most talented people I've seen, as well as hosting engaging talks and networking events.

    May 2024
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