Film Hub South West works towards a thriving and inclusive film sector, enabling more people to show, watch, and make films where they are – thanks to the support of National Lottery.
Led by internationally renowned cultural cinema Watershed in Bristol, a UNESCO City of Film, Film Hub South West is part of the UK wide BFI Film Audience Network (BFI FAN).
This is at the heart of the British Film Institute Screen 2033 strategy, which seeks to to build a diverse UK screen culture that benefits everyone. Alongside this, we are home to BFI NETWORK and BFI Film Academy South West which nurture the region’s new wave of talent.
As the 2025-26 year ends, we reflect on the impact of BFI FAN, BFI NETWORK and BFI Film Academy here in the south west on audiences, talent, and the film sector over the past 12 months.
Below are just a few highlights from the full report:
We supported film exhibitors across the region to bring more films to more people in more places through Film Hub South West:
• Total amount invested in audience facing activity: £167,333
• Total admissions: 86, 773
• Number of screenings: 2,983
• 62% number of specialised screenings.
We also saw 18 new organisations join the Hub in 2025–26 taking our total membership now to 235 exhibitors across the South West.
We supported a new wave of filmmakers through BFI NETWORK South West:
• In 2025-26, the Short Film Fund supported 4 short films.
• In 2025-26, the Early Development Fund supported 5 feature projects.
• The total BFI NETWORK award amount of both funds in 2025-26 was £115,000.
We offered opportunities to Young People through BFI Film Academy South West activity working with partners across the region including:
• 1,297 young people engaged taking part in talks, screenings, masterclasses and talent development opportunities.
• Our annual flagship event, Inside Screen, attracted over 100 young people age 16-25 and included a showcase of BFI Film Academy’s Short Course films.