About the Open Call

This guide provides advice and recommendations on how to apply to the BFI National Lottery International Connections Fund for an in-kind Group Attendance award at the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) 2026, taking place from Monday 16 March to Saturday 21 March 2026. The fund aims to support UK screen industry professionals and talent in building mutually beneficial creative relationships, discovering new funding and distribution opportunities, and scaling up projects to reach new audiences. Up to five experienced UK producers will be selected to participate in the Producers Connect programme at FILMART, gaining access to tailored business matchmaking, co-production conference panels, industry workshops, and a location scouting tour of Hong Kong, as well as FILMART’s wider programme. Successful applicants will receive an in-kind award covering return economy travel from the UK to Hong Kong (up to £2,000), five nights of hotel accommodation in Hong Kong, FILMART industry accreditation, and reasonable UK/local travel. The fund prioritizes equity, diversity, and inclusion, UK-wide representation, and environmental sustainability. Applicants must be UK resident producers working freelance or in an SME not substantially owned by a non-UK entity, with at least one lead producer credit on a completed feature film or TV project released commercially in the past 5 years. Applications close at 10am on Thursday 8 January 2026.

What is Offered

Successful applicants will receive an 'in-kind' award covering: return economy international travel between the UK and Hong Kong (up to £2,000), up to five nights’ hotel accommodation in Hong Kong, FILMART industry accreditation, reasonable travel within the UK to and from the point of international departure, and local travel in Hong Kong. This also includes access to tailored business matchmaking sessions, co-production conference panels, 'fireside chats', industry workshops, and a location scouting tour of Hong Kong as part of the Producers Connect programme, in addition to FILMART’s wider events and networking opportunities. Reimbursement of eligible travel costs will occur after attendance, with possible early reimbursement on a case-by-case basis. Additional access support costs can also be applied for.

Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must: be a producer working in the UK screen sector on a freelance basis, or in a small to medium sized enterprise (SME) not substantially owned by a non-UK entity, broadcaster, streamer, or studio; be a UK resident; and have at least one lead producer credit on a completed feature film or TV project (including animation) that has been released or broadcast commercially in the past 5 years. Applicants should have a demonstrable professional interest in working with Hong Kong and/or East Asia and specific fiction feature film projects in active development that could be structured as co-productions with Hong Kong and/or East Asia.

How to Apply

Applications close at 10am on Thursday 8 January 2026. Applicants must read the guidelines and complete the online application form, ensuring all sections are filled to avoid automatic ineligibility. Required information includes name, address, contact details, experience and track record, demonstrable professional interest in working with Hong Kong and/or East Asia, specific fiction feature film projects for co-production, international co-production experience, need for National Lottery support, response to BFI’s Principles for Funding, and any access needs. An equality monitoring form must also be completed for the application to proceed to assessment. For questions, contact international@bfi.org.uk. The application link is 'Apply now'.