BFI Announces £7.2m Funding Boost for UK Documentary Filmmaking
The British Film Institute (BFI) has announced a significant increase in funding for documentary filmmaking, with £7.2m of National Lottery funding allocated from 2026-2029. Doc Society will continue to be the UK’s delegate partner responsible for distributing the funding. Projects supported by BFI Doc Society, such as Finlay Pretsell’s Douglas Gordon By Douglas Gordon, will premiere at the Berlinale, showcasing the diverse range of documentary filmmaking talent in the UK.
The increased investment will enable the expansion of feature production and development support, including a new immersive fund, a dedicated development fund for feature-length documentaries, and additional production support through two funding strands for emerging and established filmmakers. The funding will be divided between funding awards and associated overheads, as well as a talent support program, totaling £7.2m over the three-year period.
Applications for funding will open in early spring 2026, providing opportunities for filmmakers to access financial support and talent development programs. Luke W. Moody, head of BFI Doc Society Fund, emphasized the importance of documentary cinema and immersive storytelling in reflecting and refracting reality, while Shanida Scotland, co-executive director at Doc Society, highlighted the role of documentaries in expanding perspectives and inspiring audiences worldwide.
Mia Bays, director of the BFI Filmmaking Fund, praised independent UK documentary filmmakers for their ability to cut through the noise and complexity of the modern world, offering insights that help us understand ourselves and our society. The collaboration between BFI, Doc Society, and the National Lottery underscores the commitment to supporting innovative and boundary-pushing documentary filmmaking that challenges conventions and fosters creative risk-taking.