Short Cut Film Fund
Are you an aspiring young filmmaker currently living in the South East region? Then this incredible opportunity may be perfect for you! The BFI Film Academy’s Short Cut Film Fund is now officially open for applications.
Delivered by Young Film Network South East, 3 budding filmmakers (aged 16-25) will receive a grant of whopping £1000 and be given the amazing opportunity to express their creative visions through a short film (of 5 minutes maximum). With the tailored mentorship of filmmakers who have had their short film supported and funded by BFI NETWORK South East, the three lucky winners of the grant will be guided through their first filmmaking experience, including all stages of production, learning how to develop creative ideas as well as building knowledge and skills to help them to navigate the industry.
This fund acts as a stepping stone for you to break into the film industry, as no prior filmmaking experience is required! It is intended to nurture your talent, welcoming those of underrepresented identities, giving financial support and preparing you to apply for other film funds. The aim is to focus more on creative process than product, an excellent avenue to express your passions and learn how to hone these skills without being limited by your age, personal finances, access to equipment, location or background.
Since 2018 the Short Cut Film Fund has acted as an inspirational opening for young filmmakers, and is commended by Suffolk Shorts’ Festival Director and Student Short Programme Lead: Claire Whittenbury, following her review of last year’s films, and was fascinated by how “each of the three films revealed how the filmmakers saw themselves in the world”. Whittenbury expressed how, despite working in the same parameters (a grant of £1000 and the support of a mentor and the Young Film Network Team), the films were so different and personal, demonstrating a variety of creative influences and voices.
For the 3 filmmakers who receive the grant, an invaluable networking opportunity is offered at the Film Hub South East forum, at BFI Southbank, in February 2026. Your short film will be showcased to exhibitors and festivals across the South East, getting your name out there!
The deadline for submissions is 12th September 2025 - so get your application in soon!
Please refer to https://youngfilmnetworksoutheast.org.uk/short-cut-film-fund/ for more details on how to apply and the conditions of the fund. The fund is delivered by Young Film Network South East with support from BFI Film Academy awarding National Lottery funding.
Written by Chantilly Nunn, Suffolk Shorts Young Writer 2025