The BFI Film Audience Network supports four to six films every year.

We are currently no longer taking submissions for the 2022/2023 season.

To qualify for FAN support, the film must meet at least 3 of the below criteria in addition to a clear rationale for its appeal to a young audience (16-30 years). Please note FAN will only support films scheduled for release by the FDA and certified by BBFC.

• Go beyond the mainstream offer and may be perceived as ‘risky’ or ‘challenging’
• Have potential to engage diverse audiences (as per BFI Diversity Standards)
• Show a diversity of on-screen portrayals, cultures and languages
• Tell distinctive British stories – with a focus on non-London
• Make a particular contribution to the art of film (for example a distinctive style)
• FAN can impact on in terms of audience reach and engagement

Films are selected by a committee made up of a diverse group of marketeers, programmers and representatives from the BFI Film Audience Network, BFI, Into Film, Young Audience Network and the Independent Cinema Office.

Here’s a few tips for distributors that we’ve learnt so far by promoting New Release titles.

NB: In order to attract as diverse an audience as possible, our preference is that all submitted films come with audio descriptive tracks and closed captions/subtitles. 

Also, please ensure a quality check of access formats, delivered in advance with the print

We are also looking for titles that will have the potential to work well theatrically, enabling us to get it into many venues as possible.

In selecting the titles, many are run by young audience members for Into Film, Young Audiences and Rife for their feedback to ensure that potential titles resonate and appeal to young audiences.  

If you have any questions, please get in touch at fannewreleases@watershed.co.uk.