2018 - 2019 BFI Film Academy Screening

On 26 January, two short films made by us, a group of young people aspiring to be filmmakers and who were selected to take part in the BFI Film Academy run by Screen South, will be screened to an invited audience at the Folkestone Quarterhouse.

Throughout the last three months we have worked together with guidance from industry mentors to put forward initial ideas, develop them into scripts; film and edit them; and carry out group and individual preparations for each week. A lot of work went into every aspect and the end products are something we’re all proud of.

The BFI Film Academy gave us the opportunity to do so many things we’ve never done or experienced before. We were able to work on a film set where we could use professional equipment, set dress and organise the day ourselves, with guidance from the Screen South staff. We got to work with experienced industry professionals in every session and we heard from and talked to a number of amazing people, including but not limited to, Directors, Cinematographers, Writers and Animators. Every single one of whom gave us more insight into the industry; prompting and inspiring us to do more and to let our creativity and skills show. We also had the chance to do animation and so much more.

BFI CEO Amanda Nevill comments:

"Nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing the BFI able to make a contribution to opening doors and offering opportunities for the next talented generation. We know how important it is for us to do this, to nurture and support the gifted and talented, wherever in they are in the UK, because the future of our industry depends on them.

Now in its seventh year, the Academy has established itself as a gold standard training and development programme providing a spectacular springboard to careers in film and allied industries. This would not be possible without the backing of the Department for Education and all our partners, and the many individuals from the industry who enthusiastically share their experience and offer guidance to students. We thank them all for their continuing support and wish all participants in the BFI Film Academy a happy, creative and successful future career."

“The Boy in the Woods” - A teen camping trip in a forest goes horribly wrong.

“Her Monster” - Follows a young girl and the monster that lives under her bed as she begins to explore and understand our world.

“Film recognises neither time nor space, only the limits of a man’s imagination” - Nicholas Ray

Article by Katie Gunne, BFI Film Academy Participant