Film Hub South West is the driving force behind film culture working with partners across the region. We work towards a thriving and inclusive film sector, enabling more people to show, watch, and make films where they are – thanks to the support of BFI awarding funds from the 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 ensure the greatest choice of film is available for everyone. Alongside this, we are home to BFI NETWORK and BFI Film Academy South West which nurture the region’s new wave of talent.
With 2025 now over, we reflect on the impact of Film Hub and BFI NETWORK and BFI Film Academy on audiences, talent, and the film sector over the past 12 months here in the South West.
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:
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Total amount invested in audience facing activity: £135,635
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Total admissions: 62,694
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Number of screenings:1,883
We also saw 22 new organisations join the Hub in 2024–25 taking our total membership now to 212 exhibitors across the South West.
We supported a new wave of filmmakers through BFI NETWORK South West
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In 2024-25 we funded 5 short films through the BFI NETWORK Short Film Fund
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We supported the development of 3 feature projects through BFI NETWORK Early Development Fund
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The total award amount of both funds in 2024-25 was £106,426
We offered opportunities to Young People through BFI Film Academy South West activity working with partners across the region including:
- 868 young people engaged taking part in talks, screenings, masterclasses and talent development opportunities.
- 3 Talent Development Commissions delivered for 16-25 year olds, to develop skills and produce short films across the South West (Devon, Cornwall and Somerset).
- 6 young people received 1-1 mentoring from industry professionals in areas including programming, producing and costume design.
- 10 young people received talent development support, training and hands-on experience in film programming, event planning, and content creation, in partnership with BFI Future Film Festival, and Cinema Rediscovered.