BFI Opens Discovery Feature Support for UK Debut Director Projects

The British Film Institute has opened applications for the Discovery strand of its Filmmaking Fund. The strand is intended to support original live action and animation feature filmmaking, with a UK-wide focus reaching beyond London and the South East.

The funding is aimed at projects that can demonstrate alignment with the priorities outlined by the BFI, including work that broadens representation in perspective and recruitment, strengthens audience impact, supports early career producers, writers and directors and considers sustainability in creative and practical delivery.

Awards of up to £1 million are available for projects with debut directors and a production budget between £1 million and £3.5 million. Eligible expenditure includes crew and cast payments, production fees and legal costs, alongside other production-related items.

Applications must be made by the film’s producer through a limited company that is registered and centrally managed in the UK.

The deadline for applications is 13 August 2026 (17:00)