Cinemas and film exhibitors from across the UK come together to connect, discover leading BFI FAN projects, and find new ways to engage diverse audiences.
The second BFI FAN CON will take place in Newcastle upon Tyne at the Tyneside Cinema. Join us for two inspiring days designed to help you connect with colleagues, learn from peers behind some of the most innovative BFI FAN projects, and discover fresh ideas for reaching and engaging audiences. Hear from sector experts and leading practitioners from beyond the world of film, all while experiencing the vibrant city of Newcastle – with a landmark independent cinema as your base.
The conference will open on Monday 7 September with a special screening, followed by two full days of sessions and workshops on Tuesday and Wednesday. Highlights include a conference dinner on Tuesday evening and additional social activities on Wednesday night, offering plenty opportunities to meet new people and build your network.
BFI FAN CON is for all types of FAN exhibitors, from small community cinemas and touring collectives to large multi-screen independent cinemas and landmark film festivals. The event is for anyone working or volunteering in any film exhibition role at a FAN member organisation and at any level of their careers. If you’re passionate about your work in film exhibition, we hope you’ll join us at BFI FAN CON!
BFI FAN CON 2026
Monday 7 - Wednesday 9 September
Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle
First sessions announced
Work smarter, not harder: Making the most of your precious data
Data analytics can feel intimidating, but using the information available to us can help us to understand audience behaviour and habits. Watershed, alongside a series of case studies, will suggest ways we can make smart data-driven decisions across programming, scheduling, and marketing to set us up for success.
Cinema without barriers: From local initiative to European standard
This session will look at ground-breaking, evidence-based work on accessibility from Europe, including The ZAMEK Cultural Centre’s project, which aimed to address accessibility needs in 8 regional towns in Poland and ended up influencing national access policies. We’ll hear from them on the challenges, successes and innovative approaches they used to build long-term change.
Sustainable screenings with the UK Green Film Network
This session explores how the UK Green Film Network works with independent cinemas to support the programming of environmental films and building successful screening events. They’ll offer ideas for nurturing the momentum around sustainability in film through ongoing audience development and connections with local interest groups.
Focus on community cinema
Skye Films and Leith Kino might fall on different sides of the rural/urban divide, but these two case studies will show how strong cultural programming, innovative approaches to eventising, marketing, building local partnerships and developing audiences have created two thriving community cinemas in very different locations.
How to reach new audiences with outdoor screenings, sponsored by Filmbankmedia
Feeling boxed in? Filmbankmedia’s panel will look at how showing films outdoors can help to reach everyone in your community, with case studies that cover essential logistical questions and the benefits of al fresco exhibition.
More information
Film Hub North may be able to offer you a Training and Professional Development bursary to help with ticket, travel and other costs associated with attending BFI FAN CON. Find out more
here.
