The UK’s largest festival for young, emerging filmmakers, the BFI Future Film Festival 2024, is set to take place from 15th to 18th February. This highly anticipated event offers a platform for aspiring filmmakers aged 16-25 to showcase their talent and connect with industry professionals. With a hybrid format combining in-person screenings and events at BFI Southbank, as well as a globally accessible online programme, the festival aims to empower young creatives and provide opportunities for growth and networking.
A Diverse Programme for Emerging Filmmakers
The BFI Future Film Festival 2024 encompasses a wide range of events and screenings designed to cater to the needs and interests of young filmmakers. From masterclasses and workshops to networking opportunities and film screenings, the festival offers a holistic experience that covers various aspects of the industry.
In-Person Events at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX
The festival’s in-person programme at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX features highly acclaimed industry professionals who will share their insights, success stories, and practical advice. Special guests include Maisie Williams, Lowri Roberts, and Hannah Marie Williams from the Frank Film Club, filmmakers Jennifer Baichwal, Nicholas de Pencier, and Edward Burtynsky, DON’T HUG ME I’M SCARED producer Hugo Donkin, casting director Kelly Valentine Hendry, broadcaster and producer Elle Osili-Wood, publisher Barry Cunningham, Lime Pictures’ Tim Compton, and video game designer Jörg Tittel.
UK-Wide Programme
The festival extends its reach beyond BFI Southbank with events taking place at various locations across the UK. Broadway Cinema Nottingham, HOME Manchester, Showroom Cinema Sheffield, Nerve Centre Derry-Londonderry, Glasgow Film Theatre, Fabrica Brighton, Watershed Bristol, and Chapter Cardiff will host screenings and events, providing young people across the country with the opportunity to participate in the festival.
Online Programme
The online programme of the BFI Future Film Festival 2024 offers a global audience access to a diverse range of content. Highlights include sessions on the art of screenwriting for TV, the skills needed for in-demand roles, and the impact of video games on film and TV engagement. The online programme is available for free on the BFI YouTube channel, allowing aspiring filmmakers from around the world to benefit from the festival’s offerings.
Exploring the Three Strands: Storytelling, Business of Film, and Career Ladder
The festival’s events and screenings are organized into three key strands: Storytelling, Business of Film, and Career Ladder. Each strand focuses on different aspects of the industry and provides valuable insights and guidance for emerging filmmakers.
Storytelling Strand
The Storytelling strand delves into the art and craft of storytelling in film. It features sessions with renowned directors, producers, and writers who share their experiences and provide valuable advice. Highlights of this strand include a keynote presentation by HaZ Dulull, a discussion on authentic queer representation on screen, and a session on low-budget action scenes.
Business of Film Strand
The Business of Film strand explores the various aspects of the film industry beyond creative storytelling. It provides insights into the business side of filmmaking, including distribution, financing, and marketing. Sessions in this strand cover topics such as the role of networks and collaborators, the impact of video games on film and TV engagement, and maintaining self-belief in a volatile career.
Career Ladder Strand
The Career Ladder strand focuses on career development and opportunities in the screen industries. It offers practical advice, guidance, and mentorship from industry professionals in areas such as casting, animation, post-production, and showrunning. Sessions in this strand include discussions on the role of a casting director, adapting writing for young audiences, and navigating the industry as a freelance film critic.
Highlights of the In-Person Programme
The BFI Future Film Festival 2024 promises an exciting lineup of events and screenings at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX. Here are some of the highlights:
ANTHROPOCENE: THE HUMAN EPOCH Screening and Q&A
The festival kicks off with a screening of the award-winning documentary ANTHROPOCENE: THE HUMAN EPOCH at BFI IMAX. This cinematic exploration of humanity’s impact on the planet will be followed by a Q&A session with filmmakers Jennifer Baichwal, Nicholas de Pencier, and Edward Burtynsky.
Frank Film Club Presents: The Crucial Role of Networks and Collaborators in the Screen Industries
Maisie Williams, Lowri Roberts, and Hannah Marie Williams, hosts and creators of the Frank Film Club, will share their insights and practical advice on the importance of networks and collaborators in the film industry. This session offers aspiring filmmakers valuable tips on building meaningful connections and navigating the industry.
How to Develop Your Creative Voice (and Protect It)
Filmmakers from the NOWNESS network will discuss how they work across different platforms and mediums, using their branded, online, and music video work to expand their experience and find collaborators for larger projects. This session provides valuable insights into the world of multi-hyphenate creatives.
Streamers’ Biggest Competitor: How Video Games Can Revolutionize Engagement in Film and TV
Elle Osili-Wood, a prominent broadcaster and producer, will lead a session exploring the ways in which video games have revolutionized audience engagement and how the entertainment industry can learn from these innovations. This session offers a blueprint for a radical shift in the industry’s approach to connecting with audiences.
UK-Wide Cinema Programme
As part of the BFI Future Film Festival 2024, a UK-wide cinema programme will be held in collaboration with BFI Film Academy partners supported by the National Lottery. Screenings of selected short films and events will take place at various locations across the country, including Broadway Cinema Nottingham, HOME Manchester, Showroom Cinema Sheffield, Nerve Centre Derry-Londonderry, Glasgow Film Theatre, Fabrica Brighton, Watershed Bristol, and Chapter Cardiff. These screenings and events provide young filmmakers from different regions with the opportunity to showcase their work and connect with their local creative communities.
The Online Programme: Accessible Worldwide
The online programme of the BFI Future Film Festival 2024 offers a global audience the chance to engage with a diverse range of content. From masterclasses to panel discussions and screenings, the online programme provides valuable insights and inspiration for emerging filmmakers worldwide. The sessions cover topics such as screenwriting, below-the-line roles, and the impact of video games on the industry. This accessible and inclusive approach allows aspiring filmmakers from all backgrounds and locations to benefit from the festival’s offerings.
Celebrating Young Filmmakers: The BFI Future Film Festival Awards
The BFI Future Film Festival 2024 Awards Ceremony, supported by Netflix, will recognize and reward the talented young filmmakers who participate in the festival. The awards, presented in various categories, including Best Director, Best Film, and Best New Talent, provide an opportunity for emerging filmmakers to gain recognition and support for their work. The winners will receive prizes, including financial aid and mentorship, generously offered by the festival’s partners.
The BFI Future Film Festival 2024 is an exceptional platform for aspiring filmmakers aged 16-25 to showcase their talent, connect with industry professionals, and gain valuable insights and guidance. With a diverse range of events and screenings, both in-person and online, the festival offers a comprehensive program that covers various aspects of the industry. By celebrating and empowering young filmmakers, the festival plays a vital role in nurturing the future of the film industry.
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