Made possible through National Lottery funding, BFI NETWORK collaborates with film organisations and leading cultural venues across the UK to provide short film and early feature development funding, industry-backed professional development and networking support to producers, writers and directors aged 18 and above. Our team, based at Watershed in Bristol, are proud to support emerging filmmakers in the south west.
Funded projects will also benefit from creative and professional guidance from our Bristol-based BFI NETWORK Talent Executives Nadia Attia and Jess Wheeler.
What does BFI NETWORK offer?
BFI NETWORK: Short Film Fund
The BFI NETWORK Short Film Fund supports the production of scripted films in live action, animation or immersive, up to 15 minutes long.
BFI NETWORK: Early Development Fund
The BFI NETWORK Early Development Fund (EDF) supports the early stages of development for debut long-form scripted projects in live action, immersive or animation.
Events & Opportunities
Check out the latest events and opportunities at Film Hub South West.
Past Lab Participants
Introducing the South West Creatives who have taken part in our training schemes or labs.
Latest Events & Opportunities See all
Coffee Morning with BFI NETWORK South West
A drop-in (online) coffee break and online chat for filmmakers based in the South West of England.
Monthly Members Meet-Up (Exhibitors Only – June 2026)
Join us for this month’s member meet-up where we’ll be discussing open funds, opportunities and current exhibition issues with our membership.
Queer Vision South West Shorts + Networking
Be among the first to see a fresh selection of new films from homegrown talent at Queer Vision’s annual hot ticket shorts showcase. Plus, join us after the screening for a relaxed networking event for LGBTQIA+ filmmakers (and the film-curious!) in Watershed’s Café & Bar, led by BFI NETWORK South West.
Latest Updates See all
Announcing our New Voices cohort 2025
BFI NETWORK South West are delighted to announce the latest New Voices cohort.
BFI NETWORK @ Encounters 2025
Find out what BFI NETWORK South West will be up to at Encounters 2025.
New Voices 3: where are they now?
As the fourth round opens for applications in July 2025 we wanted to chat to a few writer-directors who took part previously, to reflect on their experience and tell us where they are now.