BFI Film Academy Specialist Residential 2026: Film Curation and Archiving
Applications are now open. Deadline: Midday, Friday 16 January 2026.
Do you have a curiosity in film preservation? Would you like to understand how to progamme archive or classic films?
This exciting and intensive residential course at Showroom Cinema, Sheffield will give you a real insight into key areas of the UK’s film industry.
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 filmmakers and production crew, 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:
Visit The Yorkshire and North East Film Archive and The National Science and Media Museum.
Meet experts from organisations such as LUX, June Givanni’s Pan African Cinema Archive, and HippFest.
Learn about film preservation, restoration, curation, and programming.
Explore how archive material supports film and documentary production.
Gain insight into careers in film curation, preservation, and exhibition.
Curate and edit an archive touring package for cinema exhibition, and present it to industry professionals.
Career pathways and alumni success:
Past specialist residential alumni have gone on to work at:
Warner Brothers
Sheffield DocFest
And other key organisations across the screen sector.
As the second year of this specialist course, participants will gain experience with:
Regional, national, and broadcast archives
Footage license libraries
Documentary production companies
Independent cinemas and film festivals
In order to apply for this opportunity you must:
- Be 16-19 year old on the first day of the course.
- Have an interest in the film industry, especially the film archive and exhibition sector.
- Be able to commit to the duration of the course.
As the course is likely to have more people apply than available places, any evidence you have of your passion or talent will help your application. Every course is open to young people from anywhere in the UK and from any background. No academic education or degree is necessary.
The course is completely free to attend and includes:
- Tutorage and discussions with industry professionals.
Additional financial support is available to cover other costs if necessary.
Email BFI.Academy@srws.org.uk for more information or to organise an informal chat on how we can support you to attend this course.
We will do our best to support any access requirements to remove barriers that may stop you attending this course.
Email BFI.Academy@srws.org.uk for more information or to organise an informal chat on how we can support you to attend.
Key Information
- Course dates: Monday 16 February 2026 - Sunday 22 February 2026
- Location: In person at Showroom Cinema, Paternoster Row, Sheffield, S1 2BX
- Application deadline: Midday, Friday 16 January 2026
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: Film Curation and Archiving is part of BFI Film Academy, a national talent programme supported by the Department for Education and the National Lottery.
