If you’re 16 – 25, live in the South West and interested in the screen industries, we can support you.
BFI Film Academy offers opportunities for 16 – 25 year olds, anywhere in the UK, to get to know more about film and how to make a career in the screen industries. We offer a range of courses and events for those wanting to break into film or find out more about what is on offer.
Encounters Film Festival
Encounters is a globally renowned short film festival that takes place each September, this year running from 24th to 28th September at Watershed in Bristol, a UNESCO City of Film.
16-19 Film Club: Happyend
Join us for September’s 16-19 Film Club on Tue 23 September 17:30 for the dystopian drama Happyend!
My Top Five Films at Cinema Rediscovered 2025
One of the Cinema Rediscovered 2025 Roaming Reporters, Jazhiah Dixon lists his top five films of the festival.
16-19 Film Club
A safe space for 16-19 year olds to discuss films with friends and free food taking place on the last Wednesday of the month
Time, Place, and Secret Sex: How these Queer 80s Films represent Sexual Identity and Mobility
As part of the Cinema Rediscovered 2025 Roaming Reporters Scheme, Teagan Waymouth writes about two 1980s Queer films she saw at the festival: Desert Hearts and My Beautiful Laundrette
Under 30s guide to Cinema Rediscovered 2025
Explore the Cinema Rediscovered 2025 (23 – 27 July) programme through the lens of Watershed Staff under 30, aimed at under 30s!
A Day with Aardman Academy
On 30th April 2025, a select group of fifteen students from South West institutions spent the day at Aardman Animations studios for a special showcase from Aardman Academy!
Inside screen 2025
15th March 2025 saw the return of Inside Screen to Watershed, Bristol, for a day filled with panels, short films and opportunities for people aged 16-25 to gain insights into the screen industries.
Introducing the hosts of Film Club!
Meet the hosts of Film Club, the inclusive space for 16-18 year-olds to share ideas and watch great cinema.
June Lab: The Art of Directing Actors
Watch this masterclass with casting director Mary-Ellen O’Hara, focused on the essential creative and logistical aspects of working with actors. This session will provide you with practical tools to prepare for your role as a first-time director, including teaching you how to effectively brief actors, as well as foster a collaborative environment on set.
Cables and Cameras Taster Sessions
In June we collaborated with Cables & Cameras to deliver introductory workshops for 8 young creatives.
BFI Film Academy Arri Taster Sessions June 2024
We were able to provide 2 groups – our Film Taster group with Cables & Cameras talent development, and our BFI Film Academy Short Course – with cinematography workshops.
We’re here to help!
Watershed runs BFI Film Academy in the South West, open to those across the region from Cornwall to Gloucestershire to Hampshire. Check if you are based in the South West via the BFI Film Hub regional map here.
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