BFI Film Academy
For committed young people looking to break into film, our programmes have an excellent track record for inspiring the next generation of filmmakers and crew and are supported by the Department for Education, National Lottery, Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Scotland.
About BFI Film Academy
A range of accessible activities, courses, workshops and events that offer opportunities for those either wanting to test the waters or keen to hone their skills.
The BFI Film Academy offer in Northern Ireland includes:
- Short Courses in Film Production
- LAB Industry Led Events
- SCENE Networking Events
- RECOMMENDS Screening Events
- Specialist Residential Opportunities (UK wide)

Break Into Film
Designed for those wishing to take their first steps into the screen industries as well as those more experienced, the programme focuses on building knowledge and skills while showcasing diverse career pathways.
With strong connections to acclaimed organisations such as Warner Bros, BAFTA and BBC and offering masterclasses with established industry professions such as Curtis Brown, Hat Trick Productions and Screenskills, this academy has an excellent track record of inspiring the next generation of filmmakers and crew.

Opportunities
After attending events and masterclasses with leading names like Danny Boyle, Andrea Arnold and Seamus McGarvey, over 600 BFI Film Academy alumni have benefited from the programme — with many securing work at Disney, HBO, Sky and RTÉ. Over 50 graduates have also gone on to complete a residency at the prestigious National Film and Television School.
We are currently recruiting for our BFI Film Academy Short Courses in Derry~Londonderry, Belfast and Armagh.


BFI Film Academy Plus
We offer a series of events to support young creatives up to the age of 25 that want to progress further into the screen industries by connecting them to production and exhibition opportunities through the BFI Network and BFI FAN network.
Funders
BFI Film Academy is led by Nerve Centre and supported by the UK government’s Department for Education, National Lottery, Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Scotland.




Project Partners
BFI Film Academy Venue Education Fund is delivered in Northern Ireland by Nerve Centre in partnership with Queens Film Theatre and Film Hub NI. The programme is part of the UK-wide BFI Film Academy programme and is supported using funds from the National Lottery.




