British Film Institute BFI

Northumbria University is proud to be an official partner of the British Film Institute BFI, the UK's lead body for film.

This ambitious, multi-year partnership is designed to enrich student experience, open doors to the screen industries, and support the growth of film and moving image culture across the University and the wider North East region. 

Beyond the screen, the partnership brings the BFI's expertise directly into the Northumbria learning experience through: 

• Live briefs: Real-world creative challenges set by the BFI for students across film, creative writing, and other disciplines 
• Masterclasses and workshops: Covering film production, scriptwriting, archival conservation, audiovisual essays, and more, open to students from across the University 
• Guest speakers and industry insight: Connecting students with leading figures from the screen industries 
• Curriculum development: BFI input into the development of new and existing programmes, including Northumbria's MA Film 
• Research support: Collaborative workshops to develop research opportunities and partnerships ahead of REF2029 
• Employability and networking: Specialist events focused on career development in the screen industries 

The partnership also supports outreach into local schools, with a commitment to widening access to creative careers and championing social mobility across the region. Through this collaboration, all Northumbria students and staff have access to BFI Player; the award-winning streaming platform home to thousands of critically acclaimed and landmark films. 

This is a living, evolving partnership that reflects a shared commitment to screen culture, creative education, and the future of the UK's screen workforce. 

Academic Lead: Damien Pollard