The BFI Doc Society Fund supports and nurtures independent non-fiction films and immersive projects by UK filmmakers: prioritising expansive, director-led storytelling. Our funding is intended to be transformative and representative of all UK society.

We back ambitious, independent feature documentary films and immersive projects intended for theatrical release, from both emerging talent and more established directors. The fund recognises the quality of difference in perspective, the importance of who is telling the story and strong collaborations. We invite local stories and encourage films that take creative leaps and bring fresh vision to the form.

The BFI Doc Society Fund provides support of up to a maximum of £150,000 per feature documentary film or immersive non-fiction project in the form of grants. Assessment of applications for this funding will focus strongly on the talent involved, their progression, their relationship to the story they are telling as well as the creative ambition of the feature documentary project itself.

We are focused on access and inclusivity to make sure that untold stories from across the English regions and Nations of the UK have the opportunity to be shared with as many audiences as possible. Through championing under-represented talent, we can help create a more diverse and inclusive film industry.

We intend to fund in stages and are unlikely to provide many awards of £150,000 as a lump sum, with single award amounts likely to fall in the £30K range for development and from £50,000 to £80,000 for production. We have limited funds and may therefore only be able to offer you a lower amount than the one you request.

Applications must be made by the project’s dedicated individual producer, through a limited company registered and centrally managed in the UK.

The fund can support:

  • Documentaries intended for theatrical release
  • Any stage of production – Early development, Development, Pre-production Production, Post-production
  • First time feature filmmakers and more experienced filmmakers
  • Hybrid forms
  • Immersive non fiction work

The fund cannot support:

  • Completed projects seeking an award for distribution, festival attendance or impact campaigns.
  • Filmed productions such as a theatre show, sporting or music event
  • Artist installations
  • Documentaries intended primary for broadcast television or online platforms i.e factual, non-scripted
  • Episodic works

Find out more and apply. Applications accepted on a rolling basis, open year-round.