BIFA is excited to announce the introduction of the new BIFA Mentoring programme for 2021/22. We’re offering mentoring for up to 40 emerging writers, directors and producers looking to learn more about the industry, develop their careers and make connections in the film community.
The opportunity is open to filmmakers with at least one feature credit in any role and/or writer, director or producer experience on 2 short films. We’re particularly looking for filmmakers based outside of London and from under-represented groups.
Participants will be paired with mentors for 4 one-to-one mentoring sessions between October 2021 and March 2022. Mentors will have feature writing, directing or producing credits or have significant experience in other areas of the industry such as sales, financing or production. Mentors on the programme include BIFA and BAFTA winners and filmmakers with films that have been in selection at Cannes, Berlinale, Venice, TIFF and BFI London Film Festival.
Mentors and mentees will be paired up based on the experience and career goals of the mentees and the focus of the mentorship is flexible as to the needs of the mentee and to be discussed between mentee and mentor at your first session. Focus could be on a specific project you’re developing, next steps you can take toward a career goal or more holistic guidance on navigating the industry.
Meetings will primarily take place over Zoom but it is up to both parties should you choose to meet face to face. We can offer support to cover accessibility costs if required including translators, childcare and transcription. Applicants can come from anywhere in the UK.
It is not necessary to be part of the Springboard programme to take part in BIFA Mentoring.
This programme is supported by ScreenSkills as part of the BFI Future Film Skills programme using funds from the National Lottery.
