BFI Film Academy

Applications for Eastside’s 2025 BFI Film Academy are now closed.

If you are interested to find out how you can participate in the BFI Film Academy Short Course in 2026, please subscribe to our Film and Media Opportunities newsletter.

What can you expect from the course?

Up to 21 students aged 16-19 receive expert mentorship and hands-on experience in the filmmaking process, building confidence, nurturing creative expression and employability skills.

Students learn about story pitching, film producing, directing, camera operation, editing and much more, in a comprehensive course that delivers in depth technical training from filmmakers working in the film industry.

What does the course cost?

We’re delighted to say the course is free. In addition, complimentary refreshments are provided throughout the day and travel bursaries are available for travel to and from the course within TFL charging zones 1-6 within London.

When does the course take place?

The course commonly starts in October and all workshops finish by mid December. Workshops take place weekly on a Saturday from 10:00- 17:00 with some additional sessions on Sundays and during October half term.

Where does the course happen?

The course takes place at Eastside Educational Trust, 37 Hackney Rd, E2 7NX with some sessions happening on location.

How to apply?

Applications for Eastside’s 2025 BFI Film Academy are now closed. However, if you are interested to find out how you can participate in the BFI Film Academy Short Course in 2026, please subscribe to our Film and Media Opportunities newsletter.

Partners

Eastside is a proud partner of the BFI Film Academy’s short courses in London, working alongside our fantastic delivery partners CTVC, Film and Video Workshop, and Silver Knight Entertainment.

Watch last year's films

Watch the films made by our 2024/25 BFI Film Academy cohort.

This is a London talent development project for 16-19 year olds organised by the BFI Film Academy. Funded by the UK government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and National Lottery.

Testimonies

Don’t take our word for it. Hear what programme alumni have to say about our BFI Film Academy

“I have grown so much in confidence as a writer thanks to the opportunities and care offered by the team at Eastside. I am very grateful for the work you do!"

“I feel this course has been a real launchpad for me to find a footing in a dream career, and has given me the confidence, self-belief and the practical skills to continue making more films."

“I learnt so much about the different roles in film making, about how to create your own work, about all the varying strands of film-making, and how different it is to make a short film with friends and to produce a budgeted production.”

Got a question?

Feel free to reach out to our team below with any other questions you might have, or give us a ring to speak to us in person, on 020 7033 2380.