The BFI National Lottery UK Focus Fund is open to organisers of established events with an international reach, both in the UK and abroad, to deliver activity that will increase the visibility of UK talent and content, and connect UK content creators with international counterparts. ‘UK-focused’ activity eligible for support from the fund might include pitching sessions; screenings to international buyers; Q&As or panels at festivals or markets; or one-to-one meetings. By providing support for UK-focused activity, the Fund will increase the impact and success of the UK screen sector’s creativity and entrepreneurship.
To be eligible for UK Focus funding to deliver a specified strand of activity, your international event must be dedicated to screen content within at least one of the following categories:
- Feature films – fiction, documentary, animation – for theatrical and/or online release
- Programmes – documentary and/or animation only – for broadcast television, video-on-demand services or other forms of online release
- Narrative-led interactive/immersive media for commercial distribution on digital platforms
We can provide assistance to applicants who have access requirements and need some support in order to make an application. See Access support for BFI funding applicants.
When you can apply
Applications are accepted all year round and the BFI will make a very limited number of awards throughout the year. Applications should be submitted no later than 12 weeks in advance of the proposed UK Focus activity start date.
The BFI’s National Lottery Funding Plan 2023-2026 allocates £900,000 to the UK Focus Fund over the three years to 2026.
- Read the fund guidelines in full before applying.
Since the very first National Lottery draw in 1994, public support – raised directly through National Lottery ticket sales – has funded more than 670,000 projects, raising more than £46 billion for good causes. As a recipient, it is important to publicly acknowledge the source of this funding throughout the lifespan of the project. Effectively communicating that it is supported by BFI National Lottery funding ensures those engaging with the work recognise the value and benefit of this unique Good Cause funding. Therefore, if your application is successful, you will be responsible for prominently crediting BFI National Lottery funding and thanking National Lottery players. As such, you are encouraged to ensure that elements of your project/s which have the potential to engage a broad public audience are capitalised on, in order to communicate this message. More details will be supplied once an award has been made.