Applications now closed For BFI Film Academy

Applications have now closed for the 2021 course. Read more about our BFI Film Academy course here:

The course, managed and delivered by shmu and funded by the BFI and Creative Scotland, is open to any young person  aged 16-19 who is passionate about film or filmmaking and looking for a career in the film or creative industries. 

BFI Film Academy offers students an opportunity to work in teams to write, produce and direct original short films in an industry focused environment. Students will attend masterclasses with guest professionals during the course to enhance their learning and gain an insight into the realities of working in film. 

This high-quality course will develop your understanding of key craft areas such screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing and sound. Participants will be supported through the process of developing and producing a short film which will be screened to an invited audience at the Belmont Filmhouse at the end of the project.  

Films from previous years have been shown at Film Festivals all over the world with Metropolitan Spaghetti (2018) winning the Audience Award at the FANS Film Festival in Glasgow, and Life's A Drag (2019) screening at the prestigious Edinburgh International Film Festival.  

In addition to the practical experience on the course, participants will also secure an NPA in Film and Media at NCQF Level 5 and will become part of a BFI Alumni group which opens up a range of additional training opportunities across the UK following the course.    

We are dedicated to making our courses inclusive and accessible to all and welcome applications from all backgrounds and levels of experience. The course runs from September -December 2021 and participants should be aged 16-19. 

For more information contact bfi@shmu.org.uk 

Please note: Photo taken pre-Covid regulations