The BFI Future Film Festival 2025 has kicked off showcasing the UK’s largest celebration of young, emerging filmmakers.
Running from Thursday, February 20 until March 6 at BFI Southbank and streamed online worldwide, the festival has announced its nominations across ten categories.
Winners will receive over £15,000 in prizes, Sony gear, and exclusive mentorship opportunities.
This year’s jury is stacked with notable young filmmakers, including filmmakers Baff Akoto (producer of Queen of Glory), Daisy-May Hudson (director of Holloway), Eloïse King (director of The Shadow Scholars), and Pinny Grylls (director of Grand Theft Hamlet), who will determine the winners in each category.
Among the nominated filmmakers are a diverse group of young creatives from around the world, whose works explore a broad range of subjects - from identity and community to environmental issues and existential crises.
With more than fifty-four exceptional shorts in competition, the awards offer filmmakers the opportunity to take their careers to the next level, supported by major names in the industry, including Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery’s CrewHQ, and Sony.
Here’s who made the cut and the titles of their film submissions:
Best New Talent (Supported by Sony, Judged by the BFI FFF Main Jury) Prize: Sony FX30 camera + mentoring from Catherine Bray + BFI Player subscriptions
Best Director (Supported by Sony, Judged by the BFI FFF Main Jury)Prize: £1,500 + mentoring package + BFI Player subscriptions
Best Film (Supported by the Uggla Family Foundation, Judged by the BFI FFF Main Jury)Prize: £1,500 + mentoring package + BFI Player subscriptions
Best Animation (Supported by Blinkink, Judged by Bart Yates – Blinkink) Prize: £1,500 + mentoring package + BFI Player subscriptions
Best Documentary (Supported by Netflix, Judged by Reva Sharma – Netflix) Prize: £1,500 + mentoring package + BFI Player subscriptions
Best Experimental (Supported by Black Dog Films, Judged by Martin Roker – Black Dog Films)Prize: £1,500 + mentoring package + BFI Player subscriptions
Best International (Supported by The London School Trust, Judged by Timothy Blake – The London School Trust) Main Prize: £1,500 / Special Mention: £1,000
Best Micro Short (Supported by Chapman Charitable Trust, Judged by BFI Film Academy Young Programmers)Prize: £1,500 + BFI Player subscriptions
Best Writer (Supported by Action Xtreme, Judged by Chee Keong Cheung – Action Xtreme)Prize: £1,500 + mentoring package + BFI Player subscriptions
The BFI Future Film Festival is the UK’s leading platform for young filmmakers, offering an opportunity for talent aged 16 to 25 to showcase their work.
For over 16 years, the festival has supported emerging talent, helping filmmakers connect with industry professionals and elevate their careers.
Tickets for events at BFI Southbank are now available, priced at £7 per session. For full schedule details and ticket bookings, visit the BFI website.
