New Directions
Funding for archive film events that connect the past with the present

Support available

One-off projects: up to £10,000
National projects: up to £15,000
Funding for archive film & rep features

Dates and deadlines

Activity window: July - Nov 2021
National projects deadline: 16 July 2021
One-off projects deadline: 10 Sept 2021

New Directions is a programme supporting archive film events which retrace the historic steps that have brought the UK to its current political and cultural crossroads.

Taking place from July-November 2021, New Directions will support screenings that explore pivotal moments of modern history where the people of the UK tried to break with the past, change direction or embark on new journeys.

Funding is available for archive film events and repertory feature screenings which reflect on our past, connect with the present and illuminate the future. Subjects to explore might include the UK’s geopolitical journey from the end of the Empire to Brexit, the human experiences behind major domestic projects such as the founding of the NHS, or stories of immigration and the UK’s diverse communities.

Check out the New Directions Creative Brief for more information on the theme and suggested viewing to kick-start your archive projects.

Download the Creative Brief

Get funding

If you've been inspired to develop a project, there's two levels of financial support available through the New Directions Engagement Fund.

Funding of up to £10,000 is available to support one-off events and venue-based projects, and funding of up to £15,000 is available to support national projects or large-scale touring commissions. More details on the Engagement Fund, its eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found in the funding guidelines.

Download the funding guidelines

A plain text version of these guidelines is also available to download [docx].

Image: Margate Film Festival (Daisy West)