Applications are now open. Deadline: Midday, Friday 28 February 2026.

Are you aged 16–19? Want to take your first step towards a career in film?

This free, week-long course based at and delivered by Showroom Cinema in partnership with Reclaim The Frame, offers young people the chance to learn about film programming, distribution, marketing and audience engagement, and eventually put on a film festival at Showroom Cinema.

We are searching for talented, enthusiastic and hard-working 16-19 years olds from across the UK to take part in this week-long, in person residential course. No experience is necessary.

The course is free to take part in, and we have a generous bursary scheme that can cover the cost of travel or access requirements to ensure that the programme is as accessible as possible.

Showroom Cinema works with the BFI Film Academy to help train and inspire the next generation of UK programmers, supporting young people to gain new skills and knowledge to help build a career in the screen industries.

Scroll down for key details and application form.

By taking part in this opportunity, you will:

• Work with well-known film critics, festivals, film makers and other industry professionals.

• Watch a range of cinema and exploring all aspects of film exhibition.

• Work with a team to build your dream festival at Showroom Cinema. See the festival programme curated by 2025 partcipants here.

• Become part of the BFI Film Academy Alumni and access exclusive opportunities and advice after the course has finished.

Career pathways and alumni success:

• Past specialist residential alumni have gone on to work at:

  • BBC

  • Warner Brothers

  • Sheffield DocFest

  • Leeds INDIs Film Festival

  • Hyde Park Picture House

  • And other key organisations across the screen sector.

A unique part of the course is meeting people working in the cinema exhibition industry.

The course features specialist talks from professionals across the sector. Speakers for 2026 will be confirmed shortly.

Cinemas, festivals and other organisations represented in the past have included:

• Altitude Films

• BFI

• BIFA

• Cinema For All

• Dark Matter

• Hyde Park Picture House

• Independent Cinema Office

• Minute Shorts

• Queer East Film Festival

• Reclaim The Frame

• Sheffield DocFest

• We Are Parable

BFI Film Academy

Showroom Cinema is one of seven BFI Film Academies in the United Kingdom, providing young people with practical training, mentoring, and clear routes into screen careers.

The BFI Film Academy Specialist Residential: Programming is part of BFI Film Academy, a national talent programme supported by the Department for Education and the National Lottery. 

Reclaim The Frame

Showroom Cinema is for the second year running working in partnership with Reclaim The Frame to deliver this year's programme. Reclaim The Frame is the UK's campaign for gender justice in cinema, connecting women and gender diverse filmmakers with audiences and industry opportunities. Their award-winning work involves producing regular screening events in 15+ cities around the UK, training and mentoring programmes and advocacy initiatives, as part of their mission for equity in all film spaces.