28/02/2013 - Considerations will now be via twice yearly pitching sessions

Documentary filmmakers applying for British Film Institute (BFI) Film Fund coin will now be able to do so through pitching sessions held twice a year, the first happening at Sheffield Doc/Fest on 15 June and the second in London later in the year. The new process will enable selected documentary filmmaking teams to get feedback directly from senior executives within the BFI Film Fund and wider documentary funding community, and also to benefit from an intensive day of expert-led development ahead of the pitch. The change in application methodology is because of an increase in the volume of applications.

Lizzie Francke, Senior Executive within the BFI Film Fund said, “Documentary is the punk of the film industry - it so often fuels innovation and creativity in filmmaking and in distribution. No one can bring a film to life with more conviction than the filmmakers driving the project, so we’re really excited to hear about new stories and characters directly from the talented filmmakers who are so passionate about bringing them to the big screen.”

Charlie Phillips, Marketplace Director, Sheffield Doc/Fest said, “This is a totally new opportunity for UK filmmakers to pitch on a biannual basis to the BFI, and we’re honoured to be working with them to make sure they hear from the best talent from all regions of the UK.”

The BFI Film Fund has previously backed a range of documentaries from British filmmakers, including Carol Morley’s Dreams Of A Life, Clio Barnard’s The Arbor and Sophie Fiennes’ philosophical cinematic critique, The Pervert’s Guide To Ideology.