Showroom Sheffield announced to deliver BFI Film Academy Yorkshire and The Humber

Showroom Cinema (Sheffield Media and Exhibition Centre) will lead a regional partnership with Leeds Young Film, and Reel Solutions, collaborating to offer free year-round membership to BFI Film Academy Yorkshire and The Humber in addition to delivering free and dynamic filmmaking Introductory Courses to careers in the film industry in Sheffield, Leeds, Bradford, and Scarborough, and ongoing mentoring and career development support.

BFI Film Academy Hubs are part of a national initiative designed to widen access to screen skills training, ensuring underrepresented young people from all backgrounds have the chance to explore careers in the creative industries. Supporting young people across the UK and including over 11,000 Film Academy alumni who have already taken part in the programme since 2013, BFI Film Academy Hubs will allow young people to access training and opportunities closer to home.

In addition to the year-round activity open to young people aged 16-25 from across Yorkshire and the Humber, from 2026 - 2029, BFI Film Academy Yorkshire will also provide 320 young people aged 16–19 the opportunity to take part in Introductory Courses. Participants 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.

Alumni from these courses will have access to ongoing support for their careers in the film industry, all the way up to 25, including drop-in sessions, CV advice, talks and more.

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

“We are proud to continue championing young filmmakers across Yorkshire. This funding from UK Government and National Lottery 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 16-25 interested in joining the BFI Film Academy Yorkshire and The Humber community can do so now.

Applications to take part in the Introductory Courses across the region are now open:

·         Showroom Cinema, Sheffield
Course dates: Monday 26 October – Sunday 1 November 2026
Application deadline: Midnight, Wednesday 23 September 2026

·         Leeds Young Film (Leeds and Bradford)
Course dates: Monday 26 October – Friday 30 October 2026
Application deadline: 5pm, Sunday 27 September 2026

• Reel Solutions, Scarborough
  Course dates: Friday 23 October - Saturday 31 October 2026
  Application deadline: Midnight, Friday 4 October 2026

For full details and to apply, visit: https://showroomcinema.org.uk/bfifilmacademyyorkshireandthehumber

BFI Film Academy Yorkshire and The Humber is delivered by Showroom Sheffield supported by the UK Government and National Lottery funding.