British Film Institute Residential returns to Sheffield

The British Film Institute Film Academy Residential programme will be returning to Sheffield this summer following a year's absence in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Participants from the last BFI Academy Residential in August 2019.Participants from the last BFI Academy Residential in August 2019.
Participants from the last BFI Academy Residential in August 2019.

The month-long course, aimed at 16 to 19 year-olds, brings together young film fans from across the country who dream of working in the world of cinema and film.

The unique residential offers young creatives the chance to learn exciting new skills such as film programming, distribution, marketing, and audience development, which could help launch their cinema and film career.

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It will take place between July 31 and August 22, 2021 and this year is a hybrid of online weekend sessions, culminating in an in-person weekend in Sheffield’s only independently programmed picture house, Showroom Cinema.

Students will have the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the film world's top experts during the course. From award-winning production companies and international film festivals to film distribution companies and cinemas such as Odeon Cinema, the guest list provides a complete overview of the industry. Confirmed key speakers include:

Each session within the BFI Residential has been specifically programmed to provide students with a 360-degree insight into film.

The end of the course will see participants build and design their very own film festival, which will take place at the Showroom later in the year.

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The BFI offer a bursary scheme to enable students to take part in the residential course. The courses fees cost from £0 up to £210, including accommodation and food; however, the BFI grant is there to make sure entry is open to all. From course fees to travel and even childcare costs, the bursary can help make sure that if a young person has the talent and the ambition, there will be a place ready and waiting for them.

Sam Barnett, BFI Film Academy Course Leader at Showroom Cinema, said: "The BFI Residential is a fantastic opportunity to bring together students from across the country. The line-up of industry speakers this summer is one of the best we've ever had, and we're incredibly excited to welcome Rob Savage, who made the most talked about horror film of 2020.

"The end of the course will see participants design and deliver their dream film festival in a fully operating cinema. From choosing the films and screening times to promoting the programme, the course is sure to springboard the career of any film lover".

A participant on the previous BFI Academy Residential course said: "I've met some really great people within the industry who I hope to work with in the coming years".

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If Government guidelines change, Showroom Cinema will ensure Covid-19 guidance is adhered to. The safest, most appropriate way of conducting the course will be continually assessed throughout the residential.

Applications are now open and close on Thursday, July 15. For more information or to apply to the course, visit: showroomworkstation.org.uk/bfiresidential2021