Supporting film culture & talent in the South West

Watershed has been the Film Hub Lead Organisation for the south west since 2012, enabled by the BFI awarding us funds through the National Lottery. We are the driving force behind film culture in the region, working towards a thriving and inclusive film sector that encourages more people to show, watch and make films.

With a growing network of regional film exhibition organisations as part of the UK-wide BFI Film Audience Network (FAN), Film Hub South West supports film exhibition and is also home to BFI NETWORK and BFI Film Academy, which both aim to nurture the region’s new wave of filmmaking talent.

As part of FAN, Watershed, the Film Hub Lead Organisation for the South West receives support from the BFI awarding funding from National Lottery to support member organisations from across the region to deliver activity to realise this ambition against the priorities set out in the BFI’s Screen Culture 2033 strategy

Upcoming events

  • Mon 28 April – Wed 28 May

    Apply to Director Lab 2025

    Bournemouth
    Event details
  • Tue 13 May 11:00-11:45

    Coffee Morning with BFI NETWORK South West

    Online
    Event details
  • Thu 29 May 10:30-12:00

    Monthly Members Meet Up (online)

    Online
    Event details
  • Tue 10 June 11:00-11:45

    Coffee Morning with BFI NETWORK South West

    Online
    Event details

All events

News updates and more

Film Hub South West: 2023-24 Reflections

As the 2023-24-year ends, we reflect on the impact of Film Hub and BFI NETWORK and BFI Academy on audiences, talent, and the film sector over the past 12 months here in the South West. 

News

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Selling Your Idea: What Makes a Great Funding Application?

BFI NETWORK South West Talent Executive Nadia Attia has read countless scripts for Channel 4, BBC, BFI, Studiocanal and more, and as an ex-filmmaker herself she’s been on the flipside of applying for funding. She took some time out to share her learnings with you, to help your application stand out and prepare you for the next round of funding.

News

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Beyond Shorts

We’re pleased to announce Beyond Shorts, a career-development programme designed to elevate south west-based producers and directors who have a strong track record in screen-based work and are ready to take the next step into making features or high-end TV.

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FAN Film Exhibition Fund

Apply to the Film exhibition Fund (FEF) for awards of up to £10,000 per year.

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Short Film Fund Application Do’s & Don’ts 

Get key tips for a successful BFI NETWORK Short Film Fund application, covering project descriptions, budgeting, and common pitfalls to avoid.

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Film Hub South West members’ Films of 2024!

We asked you what your favourite indie AND studio films of the year were and why and you let us know!

News

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Bursary Blogs

Read blogs from Film Hub South West members who were able to attend events thanks to bursary support.

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Beyond Boundaries

A rolling funding pot for activity with a focus on under-represented voices in the creative sector here in the South West.

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A Talent Exec’s Guide to the Early Development Fund

BFI NETWORK South West Talent Executive Nadia Attia offers some pointers on applying to the BFI NETWORK Early Development Fund.

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Director Lab 2024: Meet the Participants

BFI NETWORK south west, in partnership with Bournemouth Film School (BFS), is pleased to announce our Director Lab cohort.

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All news updates

Explore Film Hub South West

Film Hub South West Team

Find out more about the Film Hub South West team and who to speak to for specific support.

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Why join Film Hub South West?

Free to qualifying organisations Film Hub South West offers a range of benefits.

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Filmmaker FAQs | BFI NETWORK South West

Frequently asked questions on BFI NETWORK funding, applications and general advice.

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Beyond Shorts: Meet the Participants

BFI NETWORK South West is excited to announce the Beyond Shorts cohort.

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