26 September 2025
Newsdesk
The BFI (British Film Institute) has launched its National Lottery Funding Plan 2026-2029, committing £150 million over three years to support UK screen culture and industry. This figure represents a significant 10% increase on the previous funding cycle and builds on the successful interventions made since the BFI’s 10-year strategy began in 2023.
The funding will be invested across six key strands to benefit both the public and the industry:
Area / Investment
Filmmaking & Talent Development £61 million
Skills & Workforce Development £35.55 million
Audiences £33.5 million
Education & Heritage £13.3 million
Insight & Industry £5.25 million
International £1.4 million
BFI Chief Executive Ben Roberts stated that the plan aims to have the "greatest possible impact for the UK public" by nurturing creative risk-takers, developing the world-class workforce, and connecting audiences to a more diverse screen culture. The strategy is designed to deliver support where commercial funding is insufficient, contributing to both economic growth and cultural development.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy welcomed the news, stating, “The UK’s film and TV industry provides a huge contribution to our country. It generates billions for our economy, employs millions of people and demonstrates Britain’s talents on a global stage.”
Targeted changes in the new plan include broadening the BFI Skills Fund to support skills in distribution, exhibition, and games, and piloting Microshorts funding through BFI NETWORK to encourage filmmakers at the very beginning of their journey.
The previous funding cycle saw successful projects such as the creation of BFI Skills Clusters across the UK, the Open Cinemas fund boosting independent cinema attendance, and the funding of award-winning features from BFI NETWORK alumni. This new £150 million commitment ensures the BFI continues to drive its core principles: equity, diversity and inclusion; UK-wide support; and environmental sustainability.
