BFI Film Academy Short Courses 2025
Derry~Londonderry, Belfast & Armagh
Admission: Free
Break into Film
BFI Film Academy Short Courses, delivered across Northern Ireland, are free, industry-led courses perfect for young people aged 16-19 wishing to break into the screen industries.
You'll build knowledge, develop practical skills, and explore diverse career pathways in filmmaking and crew roles.
Designed to inspire the next generation of filmmakers, these hands-on courses offer valuable insights and set you on the path to a successful career in the industry.
BFI Film Academy in Northern Ireland is led by Nerve Centre and delivered in partnership with Amma Centre Armagh and Cinemagic Belfast.
What to expect:
- Learn from experts: Gain film theory, industry insights and technical skills through workshops and masterclasses.
- Collaborate: Work in teams to produce professional-standard short films.
- Become a BFI Film Academy alumni: Access further training, funding and industry events.
- Network: Attend Film Festival Industry events and meet film directors and producers.
- Hands-on experience: Work as part of a crew with mentorship from screen industry professionals.
- Understand the industry: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the film industry, its dynamics and various career pathways.
FAQs
- Location:You can choose to apply to one of four locations: Derry~Londonderry or Belfast through Nerve Centre,
Belfast through Cinemagic Film & Television Festival,
Armagh through the AmmA Centre.
- Delivery: The course runs for 10 weeks from September to December each year, usually one evening session per week and occasional Saturdays.
Application forms for your chosen location will provide more specific information.
- Qualification: You'll earn an OCN Level 2 qualification in Creative Arts & Digital Technologies.
How to Apply
Applicants must be aged 16–19 years old, a UK resident, not be enrolled at university when the course starts and not have previously enrolled on a BFI Film Academy course.
Fill out the application form for the location you wish to apply to:
Nerve Centre, Derry~Londonderry
Deadline: Friday 12 September — Apply Now
Nerve Centre, Belfast
Deadline: Friday 12 September — Apply Now
AmmA Centre, Armagh
Deadline: Friday 12 September — Apply Now
Cinemagic, Belfast:
Deadline: Tuesday 26 August — Applications closed.
Course Dates & Times for Nerve Centre, Derry~Londonderry
Thursday 18 September, 5pm–7pm
-
Saturday 20 September, 10am–5pm
-
Thursday 25 September, 5pm–8pm
-
Thursday 2 October, 5pm–8pm
-
Saturday 4 October, 10am–5pm
-
Thursday 9 October, 5pm–8pm
-
Saturday 11 October, 10am–5pm
-
Thursday 23 October, 5pm–8pm
-
Saturday 25 October, 10am–5pm
-
Tuesday 28 October, 10am–6pm (Shoot Day)
-
Thursday 30 October, 10am–6pm (Shoot Day)
-
Thursday 6 November, 5pm–8pm
-
Saturday 8 November, 10am–5pm
-
Thursday 13 November, 5pm–8pm
-
Saturday 22 November, 10am–5pm (Industry Day)
-
Thursday 27 November, 5pm–8pm
Course Dates & Times for Nerve Centre, Belfast
- Thursday 18 September, 4.30pm–7pm
-
Saturday 20 September, 10am–3.30pm
-
Saturday 27 September, 10.30am–2.30pm
-
Thursday 2 October, 1.30pm–7pm
-
Thursday 9 October, 4.30pm–7pm
-
Thursday 16 October, 4.30pm–7pm
-
Saturday 18 October, 10am–4pm
-
Thursday 23 October, 4.30pm–7pm
-
Saturday 25 October, 10am–4pm
Halloween Half Term Break — Participants MUST be available and flexible for a one day shoot over the week of the Halloween Holidays, (Saturday 25 October through to Sunday 2 November 2025). The date can only be confirmed once filming locations have been locked down, closer to the shoot itself.
Thursday 30 October, 9am–7pm (Shoot Day TBC)
Sunday 2 November, 9am–7pm (Shoot Day TBC
Thursday 6 November, 4.30pm–7pm
Thursday 13 November, 4.30pm–7pm
Thursday 20 November, 4.30pm–7pm
Saturday 22 November, 9am–6pm (Industry Day hosted by Nerve Centre, Derry~Londonderry)
Thursday 27 November, 4.30pm–7pm
Thursday 4 December, 4.30pm–7pm
Thursday 11 December, 4.30pm–7pm
There will be cinema showcase of finished films at a cinema venue in Belfast, on a date to be confirmed in Jan/Feb 2026.
About BFI Film Academy
BFI Film Academy offers opportunities for 16–25 year olds, anywhere in the UK, to get to know more about film and how to build a career in the screen industries.
A range of accessible activities, courses, workshops and events offer opportunities for those wanting to test the water, through to those keen to hone their skills.
About Screen Academies
BFI Film Academy is one of four screen academies offered by Nerve Centre which include games, animation and visual effects.
Partners & Funders
BFI Film Academy in Northern Ireland is led by Nerve Centre, delivered in partnership with AmmA Centre and Cinemagic. The programme is supported by the UK government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport, National Lottery, Northern Ireland Screen and Screen Scotland.
