BFI-funded film festivals
The British Film Institute awards National Lottery funding to UK film festivals that broaden access to film and build audiences across the country.
BFI support is a signal that a festival’s audience-development work has been backed by the national funder — useful context when you are mapping the UK festival landscape.
The festivals below have received BFI funding. Pair this with the licensing tools when you take a programme into a real venue.
The BFI-funded list is being refreshed.
Check back shortly, or browse all festivals.
Frequently asked
- What does “BFI-funded” mean here?
- That the festival has received funding from the British Film Institute, typically via National Lottery awards supporting UK film culture and audiences.
- Is BFI funding an awards-eligibility route?
- No — it is funding and recognition for audience-facing work, not a path to Oscar or BAFTA eligibility.
Planning a screening of your own?
Build a branded screening page, collect submissions, and — for UK public showings — prepare the cinema licensing in one place.
Status flags reflect published lists by the respective bodies. Data attributions on the credits page.