Yorkshire Consortium Awarded £91,500 to Deliver BFI Film Academy Short Film Courses for Young People

The Yorkshire consortium for the BFI Film Academy Short Course Programme has been awarded  £91,500 from the BFI to support the next generation of filmmakers across the region. 

Over the coming year, 80 young people aged 16–19 (up to age 25 for recipients of an Education,  Health and Care Plan - EHCP) from across Yorkshire and the Humber will gain invaluable hands on experience in filmmaking, developing the practical skills, confidence, and industry insight to  help them take the next steps into careers in the screen sector. 

Showroom Cinema (Sheffield Media and Exhibition Centre) leads regional delivery and is joined  in the Yorkshire consortium by Leeds Young Film, and Reel Solutions, to deliver dynamic  filmmaking short courses in Sheffield, Leeds, Bradford, and Scarborough. 

All organisations have strong legacies of nurturing emerging talents and have delivered the BFI  Film Academy Short Course programme, since the start of the scheme, expanding opportunities  and supporting many young people to pursue exciting careers in the screen sector. 

The BFI Film Academy Short Course Programme is part of a national initiative designed to widen  access to screen skills training, ensuring young people from all backgrounds have the chance to  explore careers in the creative industries. 

Participants are guided through the different phases of the filmmaking process by experienced  tutors and industry experts who share their knowledge and industry insight. All courses are free  to attend, bursaries for travel and childcare are also available and no previous filmmaking  experience is necessary. 

Speaking on the announcement, Victoria Firth, CEO for Showroom Cinema said: 

“We are proud to continue championing young filmmakers across Yorkshire. This funding  enables us, alongside our fantastic delivery partners, to open up access to filmmaking  opportunities for young people who might not otherwise have the chance to step onto a set,  develop their skills, and find their voice through film.” 

How to Apply 

Young people aged 16–19 can now apply to take part in the courses across the region: 

• Showroom Cinema, Sheffield 

showroomcinema.org.uk/bfi-film-academy-short-courses  

Course dates: 27 October – 2 November 2025, plus 8 – 9 November (post-production) Application deadline: Midday, Sunday 28 September 2025 

• Leeds Young Film (Leeds and Bradford) 

https://www.leedsfilm.com/bfi-film-academy-leeds-and-bradford-4ww3 Course dates: 4 October – End of November 2025 

Application deadline: Thursday 25 September 2025 

• Reel Solutions, Scarborough 

https://www.reelfilmmaking.com/bfi-film-academy-scarborough

Course dates: 24 October – 1 November 2025 

Application deadline: Sunday 5 October 2025 

For full details and to apply, visit: showroomcinema.org.uk/bfi-film-academy-short-courses 

About BFI Film Academy  

BFI Film Academy offers opportunities for ambitious young people, anywhere in the UK, to  develop their knowledge and skills towards building a successful career in the screen industries  through a range of accessible courses and events.  

Short and Specialist Courses for 16-19 year olds are delivered at over 50 locations across the  UK. Supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and National Lottery, these  introductory, hands-on technical courses provide invaluable experience and have an excellent  track record of inspiring the next generation of filmmakers and crew.  

BFI Film Academy also includes regular events for young people aged 16-25 online and at  cinemas and other venues across the UK.  

www.bfi.org.uk/filmacademy 

About the BFI 

The BFI is a cultural charity, a National Lottery distributor, and the UK's lead organisation for film  and the moving image. 

Our mission is: 

• To support creativity and actively seek out the next generation of UK storytellers • To grow and care for the BFI National Archive, the world's largest film and television  archive. 

• To offer the widest range of UK and international moving image culture through our  programmes and festivals - delivered online and in venue 

• To use our knowledge to educate and deepen public appreciation and understanding • To work with Government and industry to ensure the continued growth of the UK's  screen industries 

Founded in 1933, the BFI is a registered charity governed by Royal Charter. About Showroom Cinema and Work Station 

Showroom Cinema is one of Europe's largest independent cinemas and is Sheffield's only  independently programmed cinema. It is paired with the Work Station, which is the longest running creative business centre in the city and home to a thriving community of over 60  cultural, creative, and digital companies. All housed in an iconic 1930s' Art Deco building.  Showroom Cinema celebrates its 30th birthday in 2025 with a series of special events and  festivals throughout the year.