Submissions open for BFI Film Academy: Film Programming Specialist Course in collaboration with Reclaim The Frame and Showroom Cinema, Sheffield

Reclaim The Frame in collaboration with Showroom Cinema and BFI Academy presents a free, week-long course that offers young people between the age of 16-19 the chance to learn about film programming, distribution, marketing and audience engagement and put on a film festival at Showroom Cinema.

We are searching for talented, enthusiastic and hard-working 16-19 years olds from across the UK to take part in this week-long, in person residential course. No experience is necessary.

The course is free to take part in, and we have a generous bursary scheme that can cover the cost of travel or access requirements to ensure that the programme is as accessible as possible.

With this programme, we hope to help train and inspire the next generation of UK programmers, supporting young people to gain new skills and knowledge to help build a career in the screen industries.

By taking part in this opportunity, you will:

• Work with well-known film critics, festivals, film makers and other industry professionals.

• Watch a range of cinema and explore all aspects of film exhibition.

• Work with a team to build your dream festival at Showroom Cinema. See the festival programme curated by 2025 partcipants here.

• Become part of the BFI Film Academy Alumni and access exclusive opportunities and advice after the course has finished.

A unique part of the course is meeting people working in the cinema exhibition industry. The course features specialist talks from professionals across the sector. Speakers for 2026 will be confirmed shortly.

Cinemas, festivals and other organisations represented in the past have included:

• Altitude Films

• BFI

• BIFA

• Cinema For All

• Dark Matter

• Hyde Park Picture House

• Independent Cinema Office

• Queer East Film Festival

• Reclaim The Frame

• Sheffield DocFest

• We Are Parable

Application deadline: Midday, Friday 28 February 2026

Course dates: Sunday 29 March 2026 - Saturday 4 April 2026

We know that queer, trans, and gender-nonconforming people, as well as people from the global majority, are often underrepresented in our sector. As such, we strongly encourage applications from these communities, particularly those who have experience of working-class, low-income, or precarious work.

APPLY HERE