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BFI Documentary Residential 2024

The BFI Documentary Residential Academy is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet award winning filmmakers, network, learn practical filmmaking skills and produce a documentary that will be screened in front of friends and family. If you love documentary film then this is the course for you!

The Fall

The Fall tells the remarkable story of a South African barefoot runner, an American track and field prodigy and a journey behind the events of one of the most memorable moments in sporting history at the 1984 L.A. Olympics.

Life & Deaf

An immersive, experiential film about the deaf world, with its unique humour and culture – a world which most of us rarely encounter.

Separated at Birth

Sometimes shocking, yet ultimately heart-warming, this emotionally charged series follows 16 unique families during their search for their birth family.

This is Tottenham

For the first time, viewers are given front row seats to MP David Lammy’s Tottenham surgery – one of the busiest there is, in perhaps the most infamous borough in the UK.

My Life: Fantastic Mr Fashion

Isaac isn’t a typical teen: he suffers from Asperger’s but overcomes his identity issues with a unique dress sense – and now wants to win a slot at Brighton Fashion week.

Fix My Family

This intimate film shines a light on the staff and residents of Save the Family, an innovative and invaluable charity in North Wales that houses homeless families on the brink of losing their kids to care. It's a tale of trauma, loss and ultimately hope.

David Suchet: In the Footsteps of Saint Paul

Actor David Suchet sets off on a personal journey across the Mediterranean world, investigating the epic story of a man he has long been fascinated by because of this faith.

Dispatches: Let Our Dad Die

After a catastrophic stroke, Tony Nicklinson was left utterly paralysed. Only able to communicate via a computer controlled by his eyes, Tony wants to die, but he cannot kill himself without help – and anyone who did that would be committing murder.

Proud and Prejudiced

Tommy leads the EDL; Sayful leads an extremist group of Muslims – these leaders and groups collide on the streets of Luton in a series of headline-grabbing national protests.

Christmas Carol Service X 2

Children, teenagers and their families together with celebs, volunteers and staff will experience an extra special slice of Christmas cheer in December, as the ITV1 Carol Concert will be filmed at Christopher’s, the CHASE children’s hospice.

Ground Zero Mosque

In summer 2010 a global controversy erupted when a US Muslim property developer tried to construct a mosque at the site of the 9/11 terror attacks: this is his story.

The Story of Jesus

Nine of the world’s leading Biblical experts re-examine the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life and investigate the sites of his most crucial experiences.

Too Old to be a Mum?

Women old enough to be grandmothers are having babies with the help of IVF. This film tells some incredible stories of controversial fertility treatment, loss, social stigma and hope.

The Turin Shroud

Was Jesus’ body wrapped in the Turin Shroud? The question has divided people for years – but an incredible new discovery means for the first time its authenticity can be determined.

Who Wrote The Dead Sea Scrolls?

The Dead Sea Scrolls have been hailed as the greatest archaeological find of the modern era – but from the outset they have attracted controversy.

Find Maddie Campaign

Six short films with Kate and Gerry McCann as they continue the search for their missing daughter.

Homegrown Boys

Six young teenagers from estates around North London run a very unusual business from a skip – but can they turn a profit?

Ian Brady: Endgames of a Psychopath

This Cutting Edge film, which has unprecedented access to those closest to Brady, charts his ongoing attempts to influence and control those around him.

Sister Wendy and The Art of The Gospel

Famed for telling the backstories to religious art, here we meet the ‘real’ Wendy who talks frankly and humorously about her life – and death for the first time.

Dispatches: Murdered in Tenerife

In 2011, Jennifer Mills-Westley, a 60-year-old British grandmother, was attacked and publicly beheaded in broad daylight in Tenerife.

Cutting Edge: The Murder Workers

Over an 18 month period, BAFTA award winning director Jessie Versluys followed the remarkable work of Victim Support’s National Homicide Team, as they worked with people who have been bereaved by murder.

Storyville: The Spy Who Went Into The Cold

Kim Philby was the quintessential English spy; he was ‘one of us’. But suspicions grew of his loyalty – then one day he fled: he was a soviet spy all along.

My Life: Race for Rio

Julie, Hattie and Reece are determined to become Paralympians and show their disabilities haven’t held them back – but the competition to reach Rio is fiercer than they could have ever imagined.

Bible Hunters

Archaeologist Dr. Jeff Rose tells the remarkable stories of the Bible Hunters – bold adventurers who gained notoriety while risking life and limb to uncover the earliest bible texts.

Meet The Mormons

This film gains fascinating and extremely rare insight into a controlled world, through the eyes of a young British Mormon, dedicated to serving his Church.

Great War Diaries

GREAT WAR DIARIES reveals the simple human experience of 1914-18, unsullied by historical interpretation.

Welcome to Mayfair

From the upmarket resident who dresses in Victorian clothing to the cabbie living in social housing, this is an intimate portrait of the characters who live, work and play in one of London's most famous areas.

George Blake: Master Spy of Moscow

This is the story of the enigmatic traitor who traded secrets with the Soviet Union, and made a death defying escape – triggering an international manhunt.

David Suchet: In the Footsteps of Saint Peter

Actor David Suchet is in search of one of the most puzzling characters in history.

My Life: Surf's Up!

Scottish teenager Iona is facing the biggest international competition of her life: the World Junior Surf Championship. Determined to not let herself or her country down, will Iona master the treacherous waters and come home a champion?

My Life: My Big Prom

Sixteen year old Lewis is a young man on a big mission to create a mega prom for teenagers who – like him – have missed out on their own school prom due to illness. Will he succeed?

My Big Gay Jewish Conversion

Gay Irish Catholic Simon wants to marry his boyfriend Matthew, who is Jewish. This is his quest to find out if Judaism is more tolerant of homosexuality.

Christmas Nationwide

Presenters Alison Hilliard and Gogglebox’s Revd Kate Bottley guide us through a variety of Christian groups across Britain, showing how they celebrate Christmas.

The Mayflower Pilgrims: Behind the Myth

Thanksgiving is a celebration of the colonisation of America; but the story of the pilgrims arriving at Plymouth Rock is rife with struggle and doubt.

Pilgrimage: The Road to Santiago

An all-star cast of Neil Morrissey, Debbie McGee, Heather Small, Ed Byrne, Kate Bottley, Raphael Rowe and JJ Chalmers make a spiritual journey of a lifetime, travelling the famous medieval pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago.

Toffs, Queers and Traitors: The Extraordinary Life Of Guy Burgess

During the Cold War it was difficult to know friend from foe; treacherous spies pervaded every corner of MI5 and MI6. The very best of them hid in plain sight, and none were more blatant than Guy Burgess.

Pilgrimage: The Road to Rome

Eight celebrities of differing faiths and beliefs strap on backpacks and have 15 days to tackle the ancient 2000km Via Francigena pilgrimage, from the Swiss Alps to Rome.

Liz Adekunle: In Conversation with Amos Ogunkoya

The reality TV star and Luton Town FC club doctor opens up about his dyslexia, his medical career and his Christian faith.

Witness History: Sarajevo’s Haven of Peace

The Jewish charity that helped people in the Bosnian war during the siege of Sarajevo.

BFI Film Academy 2023 Short Courses

We are looking for committed, talented young people between the age of 16 and 19 to be a part our HULL or LONDON BFI Film Academy 2023. No formal qualifications are needed – just a passion for film!

Witness History: The Pope’s Controversial Nicaragua Visit

How John Paul II angered supporters of Nicaragua’s left-wing Sandinista government during his visit in 1983.

Bangladesh’s Clothing Conundrum

The garment industry in Bangladesh has become safer and greener – but who’s paying the price?

Witness History: Mexico’s first female presidential hopeful

The story of human rights campaigner Rosario Ibarra, who became the first political outsider to stand for president in Mexico.

Iraq: Generation Invasion

Twenty years after the US-led invasion, four young Iraqis recall life under occupation and share their hopes and fears for the future.

Witness History: Guatemala’s Outspoken Bishop

The Catholic bishop who was killed just days after launching an important human rights report.

Pilgrimage: The Road Through Portugal

Celebrities take a journey of a lifetime. They all have different faiths and beliefs - will stepping in ancient footsteps on a spiritual journey broaden minds?

A Fresh Look at Easter

Fr Christopher Jamison and Bonnie Lander Johnson find seasonal hope in nature and astronomy, stories and art.

The Age of Revelation

Remona Aly and three guests discuss spiritual maturity in Islam.

A Humanist Funeral

The Humanists UK organisation helped us get access to a very special woman, Cathy, who agreed to be filmed for an interview about her life and her impending death due to a terminal illness.

The Spirit of Kintsugi

The Japanese art form that’s become a symbol of how brokenness can ultimately enhance the human spirit.

The Right Thing: Framed by My Brother

Floyd Bledsoe’s belief in Christian forgiveness was put to the test when his brother accused him of murder.

The Right Thing: Opposing Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War

Meet Denis Mukwege, surgeon, Christian and Nobel Peace Prize winner, who constantly risks his life to help women injured by sexual violence.

Salters' Chemistry Club and Festivals

With accessibility and in-person events affected by the pandemic, The Salters' Institute moved their chemistry club and festivals online with a host of videos showing chemists they've supported demonstrating important experiments and sharing knowledge.

Kids Who Care

Singer Oritsé Williams, who himself looked after his sick mother from the age of 12, meets the next generation of young carers.

A Humanist Naming Ceremony

Watch Ivy experience her naming ceremony, with the key features explained, while her parents discuss the Humanist principles they want to instill in her.

The Love Song Which They Bring

Why people from other faiths sing in church choirs – especially at Christmas.

Bells That Still Can Ring

The stories of some of Britain’s most iconic bells, cast at Britain’s last major bell foundry in Loughborough.

Stephen: A Faith Challenged

How a man with profound mental health issues made a woman question her Christian certainties.

BFI Documentary Residential 2023

Are you or do you know someone aged 16 - 19 who has an interest in making documentaries? Then apply for this fantastic course now...

An Unconventional Teacher

Leah Broad explores Ralph Vaughan Williams’ legacy as a teacher and champion of women composers.

The Royal British Legion: Black and British, Sacrifice and Service

The film follows Seren, a mixed-heritage British girl, as she discovers what being British means to her, and how the service contributions of Black, African, and Caribbean men and women are recognised in today’s multi-cultural society.

Salters' Wild City Project

The Salters' Institute's inaugural Wild City project gave four schools the chance to compete for the prize of a brand new garden being built at their school. But every school walked away with a prize and learning.

BBC Bitesize Geography

16 adventurous and fun films with young presenters exploring sites of geographical significance across the UK.

Green Islam

How Muslims are trying to heed the call in the Qur’an to be better guardians of nature.

BFI Film Academy 2022

We are looking for committed, talented young people between the age of 16 and 19 to be a part our HULL or LONDON BFI Film Academy 2022. No formal qualifications are needed – just a passion for film!

Conversion Norway-Style

How Norway’s Christian and Muslim leaders forget a historic pact on the right to convert.

Witness History: A Woman in Basra

A woman called Deema remembers life in the Iraqi city in the mid-2000s, when Shia militias moved in.

Putin’s Unholy War

Why is the Russian Orthodox Church supporting Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine? And are the Russian President’s alleged religious motives genuine? Lucy Ash and guests discuss.

The Body

Christ’s disciples looked after his body with great care after he was taken down from the cross. So why do we shrink from dead bodies today?

Pilgrimage: The Road to the Scottish Isles

Celebrities take a journey of a lifetime. They all have different faiths and beliefs - will stepping in ancient footsteps on a spiritual journey broaden minds?

A Greener Ramadan

Remona Aly explores how the Islamic holy month can be made more environmentally friendly and less wasteful.

Where was God?

Mark Dowd examines a key question of faith: how can a loving God allow good people to suffer?

The Right Thing: The Sikh Whistleblower

Pav Gill, a Sikh lawyer living in Singapore, joined the Wirecard financial services empire in 2017. It didn’t take him long to realize that there were fraudulent business practices going on.

The Right Thing: Muslim and Lesbian

From an early age, Fatima Daas knew that she was different. Her upbringing dictated that she would have to choose between Islam and her sexuality.

The Right Thing: The Transgender Pastor

June Joplin was born outwardly a boy – but at the age of 11, at a Christian summer camp, two things became very clear to her: that she was supposed to be a pastor, and that she was supposed to be a girl.

No Satisfaction

Britain's Novel Landscapes with Mariella Frostup

Mariella explores the life and times, and landscapes, of classic British women writers.

Hidden Women and Silenced Scores

Music historian Leah Broad explores why the music of three 20th century women composers, much loved at the time, is so little heard today.

A Midwife for Mary

What would it have been like for a young first-time mother to give birth far from home? For this Christmas edition of Things Unseen, Rae Duke talks to two modern-day midwives, Ruth and Suyai, to hear their thoughts on what it might have been like for a young woman like Mary to give birth without pain relief, monitors, birthing pools or at least an antiseptic environment. Stand by for some hair-raising stories!

The Essay: The Meaning of Ritual

In this series of Essays, Madeleine Bunting asks why ritual has been such a pervasive feature of human societies and whether the 21st century may see much of it disappear.

The Documentary: On The Covid Ward

How medical teams look after the emotional well-being of Covid patients and families.

BFI Documentary Residential 2022

The BFI Documentary Residential Academy is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet award winning filmmakers, network, learn practical filmmaking skills and produce a documentary that will be screened in front of friends and family. If you love documentary film then this is the course for you!

Witness History: The Miracle of Walking

Dr Ignacio Ponseti revolutionised the treatment of children with 'club foot' replacing invasive surgery with physiotherapy. We hear from one of the beneficiaries.

Understanding Addiction

Understanding Addiction is a powerful 9 film series intended for educational use. It includes 7 interviews with a variety of people who have experienced dependency and its negative effects. But all of these dark testimonies end with with a message of hope and recovery: there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

BFI Film Academy 2021

We are looking for committed, talented young people between the age of 16 and 19 to be a part our HULL or LONDON BFI Film Academy 2021. No formal qualifications are needed – just a passion for film!

Centre Stage: Racism in the UK

This film discusses the existence of racism in the U.K. and demonstrates healthy conversation and good communication skills when discussing challenging topics.

Salters' Snapshots

We made four short films to showcase the history, architecture, garden, outreach and staff of the Salters' Company, one of the UK's original livery companies.

In The Studio: Emma Kathleen Thomas: A tapestry of species

Danish visual artist Eske Kath joins British-Mexican artist Emma in Copenhagen as she oversees the Danish leg of an ambitious collaborative artwork: a tapestry of large-scale images of endangered species. Highlighted as Pick of the Day in the Guardian guide.

Black British Stories

10 short documentaries about 10 brilliant black individuals who have contributed to our economy, culture and history.

A Uyghur Ramadan

As Ramadan gets underway, Uyghur exiles tell the story of their people; their distinctive cultural and Islamic traditions and the oppression they face from the Chinese government.

Patient 13

Moving between the present day and the 1st century, Patient 13 fills in the gaps of the Gospels in an intriguing look at the events of Holy Week, when Jesus, hailed as the ‘Christ’, was cheered into Jerusalem, executed by the Romans, and then apparently came back to life.

Eighteen Years in Hell

The man who survived Morocco’s notorious desert jail following a complete surrender to God.

BFI Screenwriting Academy 2021

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The Right Thing: A life worth saving?

The Christian couple who were expecting a baby with Down’s syndrome – and had hard choices to make.

The Right Thing: Saving the man who shot me

The story of Rais Bhuiyan, who tried to save the man who shot him from execution.

Commitment and Families

What is commitment? What does commitment look like for different families? Produced in partnership with FASTN, four families discuss their relationships.

BBC Teach Pop Culture Bible Stories

Six animated Bible Stories with a twist - each is told in a pop culture format, such as: Samson as a Marvel movie; Moses and the Ten Commandments as if he were an influencer on a Youtube channel; The Feeding of the 5000 as if it's a TV cooking show competition. Entertaining and educational in equal measure, watch them all now...

Wonder of Wonders

Nearly one in five women in the UK now reach their 40s without having children. Among them was the writer and teacher Blanche Girouard, and she desperately wanted a baby. So she decided to freeze her eggs and find an anonymous donor. The journey was fraught, but then a Christmas miracle occurred.

Jonestown: from Socialism to Slaughter

In 1978 over 900 US citizens died at Jonestown, a remote settlement in Guyana. The vast majority were members of a community run by the charismatic Rev Jim Jones, taking their own lives under armed guard on his orders. But how does a church known for racial integration and practical help for the poor, come to such a destructive end?

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