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
-
Event detailsMon 21 July – Fri 22 Aug
Apply to BFI NETWORK New Voices 2025
Hybrid -
Event detailsWed 23 July 11:00-13:00
Reframing Film Sessions 2025
Watershed -
Event detailsTue 9 Sept 11:00-11:45
Coffee Morning with BFI NETWORK South West
Online -
Event detailsWed 24 – Thu 25 Sept
Distributor Slate Days 2025
Picturehouse Central
News updates and more
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.
Director Lab 2025: Meet the Participants
BFI NETWORK south west, in partnership with Bournemouth Film School (BFS), is pleased to announce our Director Lab cohort.
Too Much: Melodrama on Film
Delivered in partnership with the BFI, FAN is proud to unveil the new UK-wide season – Too Much: Melodrama on Film - where audiences are invited to follow their emotions and get swept away by the big screen experience.
FAN Film Exhibition Fund
Apply to the Film exhibition Fund (FEF) for awards of up to £10,000 per year.
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.
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.
Bursary Blogs
Read blogs from Film Hub South West members who were able to attend events thanks to bursary support.
Beyond Boundaries
A rolling funding pot for activity with a focus on under-represented voices in the creative sector here in the South West.
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.
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.
Why join Film Hub South West?
Free to qualifying organisations Film Hub South West offers a range of benefits.
Filmmaker FAQs | BFI NETWORK South West
Frequently asked questions on BFI NETWORK funding, applications and general advice.
Watershed is the Lead Film Hub Organisation for Film Hub South West, part of the BFI Film Audience Network.
Watershed is a Registered Charity No. 284188 and a Social Enterprise
Watershed, 1 Canons Road, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5TX
Film Hub South West &
BFI NETWORK South West
are part of the BFI Film Audience Network, supported by The National Lottery.
