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
ID Screening Days 2026
Join BFI FAN for ID Screening Days 2026 – a hybrid event helping cinemas and exhibitors of all kinds deepen their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Reframing Film Sessions 2026 (Cinema Rediscovered)
Join some of the most inspiring voices in the worlds of exhibition, distribution and restoration at Reframing Film Sessions taking place at Watershed (Bristol, UK) on Wed 22 July, the opening day of the 10th edition of Cinema Rediscovered.
Cinema Rediscovered 2026
Early Bird passes are now on sale for the 10th birthday edition of Cinema Rediscovered – the UK’s leading celebration of newly-restored films, forgotten gems and classic revivals.
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.