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Break Into Film

The Showroom Cinema offers young people the opportunity to learn about filmmaking, programming, marketing and distribution through a number of projects funded through the British Film Institute and The Department of Education.
For any questions or enquiries please contact the team at bfi.academy@srws.org.uk.
Kickstart Your Career in Film

Are you thinking about a career in film? Showroom Cinema works with the BFI and partners to offer young people chances to learn about filmmaking, programming, marketing and distribution through regular residentials and training schemes every year.

All BFI Film Academy Courses, in addition to the Showroom Young Programmers group, are funded by the British Film Institute, The Department of Education, and the National Lottery, these schemes are accessible and open to all, with generous bursaries to make sure you can pursue your passion for film.

Many of our alumni have gone to work in the film industry at places including Warner Brothers, Sheffield DocFest and the BBC.

Man sits on stool to demonstrate film set up for music video
Applications are now open for the BFI Film Academy Specialist Residential: Film Archive and Curation
Applications are now open for the BFI Film Academy Specialist Residential: Programming
Opportunities throughout the year
A young person with glasses and a hat operating a camera.

BFI Film Academy Specialist Residential: Film Curation and Archiving

  • Film curation and archiving skills for 16 to 19-year-olds.

  • Applications now open! Deadline: Friday 16 January 2026.

  • Find out more and apply now.

BFI Film Academy Specialist Residential: Programming

  • Cinema programming, marketing and audience development skills for 16 to 19 year olds.

  • Applications now open! Deadline: Friday 28 February 2026.

  • Find out more and apply now.

Showroom Cinema Young Programmers

  • Weekly film curation group with Showroom Cinema for 18 - 25 year olds.

  • Applications are now closed. Keep checking this page for more information.

BFI Film Academy Short Course

  • Screen skills for 16 to 19 year olds.

  • Applications are now closed. Keep checking this page for more information.

Opportunities with Film Hub North

"The BFI Film Academy has been instrumental in developing my passion for filmmaking. Not only has it taught me the ins and outs of working in the film industry but it has opened many paths for me through career, networking, and mentorship opportunities. I would recommend the BFI Film Academy for anyone considering a future in the Film industry as a brilliant foundation to start from for young, amateur or intermediate filmmakers."

Dylan, BFI Film Academy Alumni

"Attending the BFI Academy residential was a great experience for a multitude of different reasons! Being from North Devon and with no connections into the industry, I doubted my ability to ever pursue a career in film and TV. This course offered me the opportunity to visit a new city; attend masterclasses with industry professionals; explore new cinema (independent and short films); meet and network with talented young creators; and collaborate to programme our own film festival. This course offers an insight into an essential side of the industry, making me a stronger filmmaker. From this course, I have been able to keep in contact with other aspiring filmmakers and hear about upcoming opportunities through the BFI Alumni newsletter. Since concluding the residential I have been working as Production Management Apprentice at BBC Studios, worked on Eurovision (2023) and worked on short films (including NFTS productions)."

Lily, BFI Film Academy Specialist Course: Film Programming and Audience Development Alumni

"As someone from a mixed cultural background, I found Isra’s talk really interesting and inspiring. I love the archival aspects of their work and their academic essays."

BFI Film Academy Specialist Course: Film Programming and Audience Development Alumni

"The industry speaker masterclasses were the most fun and engaging part of the whole course. They were incredibly insightful and filled with knowledge. The speakers were so friendly, and they were more than happy to stay afterward to discuss and answer our questions. They guided us further and didn’t just present information—they had us actively participate, present our ideas in groups, and apply what we learned. This hands-on approach was the best part because we received instant feedback and had the opportunity to improve our ideas, which built a lot of confidence to execute them in real-world scenarios."

BFI Film Academy Specialist Course: Film Programming and Audience Development Alumni