Kent BFI Film Academy Short Course 2025-26
BREAK INTO FILM
The British Film Institute (BFI) and Screen South are once again offering an incredible opportunity for 16 creative young people to join the BFI Film Academy Short Course in Kent – a fully funded filmmaking experience designed to launch your future in the screen industries.
What You’ll Gain
- Make your own short film with the support of experienced film professionals
- Work alongside industry leaders – including directors, writers, producers, and editors
- Connect with prestigious organisations such as BAFTA and the BFI
- Learn essential skills in screenwriting, directing, camera work, sound, editing, and production
- Become eligible to apply for exclusive BFI National Residential Academies in Animation, Documentary, VFX, and BAFTA Mentoring, available only to BFI Alumni
- Present your work at regional and local screenings – and build your first IMDb credit!
Programme Details
- Course Dates: October 2025 – November 2025
- Format: Online introductory session + In-person workshops in Folkestone
- Regional Screening: 18 January 2026 (Location TBC) | Local Screening in Folkestone: Date TBC
Cost & Support
- FREE to attend – no course fees
- Travel bursaries available for those who need support
Stay Updated
- Applications open NOW. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this career-launching opportunity.
- Follow Screen South on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
Questions or School Visits
- We welcome school enquiries and can arrange presentations or Q&As with students. Our CEO, Jo Nolan, is available to visit your school or speak online about the programme. Please get in touch with us at info@screensouth.org or call us at 01303 259777.
Start your filmmaking journey with BFI Film Academy Kent – where your vision meets opportunity.
Who can apply?
- Applicants must be aged 16-19 years old on the 19th October 2024 (those on an EHCP can be aged 16-25 years old).
- Applicants must live in Kent and are a UK resident.
- Applicants must not currently be enrolled at university or at university when the course starts.
- Applicants must not have previously taken part on a BFI Academy course.
- If you are under 18 years of age on the first day of the course, you must have confirmation from a parent or carer that you have permission to apply.
Course Dates
Sessions are in-person & online
11/10/2025 | 10am -1pm (online)
18/10/2025 | 10am - 5pm (in-person)
19/10/2025 | 11am - 5pm (in-person)
20/10/2025 | 10am - 5pm (in-person)
21/10/2025 | 10am - 5pm (in-person)
22/10/2025 | 10am - 5pm (in-person)
23/10/2025 | 10am - 5pm (in-person)
24/10/2025 | 10am - 5pm (in-person)
01/11/2025 | 10am - 5pm (in-person)
23/11/2025 | 10am - 4pm (in-person) - Local Screening
18/01/2026 or 07/02/2026 TBC - Regional Screening
Applications for the Kent BFI Film Academy Short Course 2025-26 delivered by Screen South, are now open.
Deadline for Applications: 5pm Sunday 28th September 2025. We are asking those of you with ideas or are keen writers to submit a 2-5 minute script as part of your application. If you do not have a script then please feel free to submit a story.
Please note that the screening of this year’s film has been certified a 12A.
Learn more at our free online Information Sessions!
These free sessions are held via Zoom and are designed for you to find out more about the BFI Film Academy, as well as ask any questions you might have. Click the links below to sign up.
Past BFI Film Academies
Watch a Behind the Scenes film about the BFI Film Academy to find out how it all comes together. From Week 1 – pitching ideas, all the way through to the shoot and onto the premiere screening at the Folkestone Quarterhouse.
Along the way the students learn and take part in workshops from high end industry proffesionals as well as completing a silver or bronze arts award.
