BFI FAN CON 2026
Open Call for Session Ideas (UK + International)
Help shape the BFI FAN CON programme
We want the programme for BFI FAN CON to be as relevant, inspiring and useful as possible, reflecting the interests and priorities of the FAN membership. Visit our About page to find out more about the BFI Film Audience Network.
To help make that happen, we’re opening part of the programme to FAN members and beyond. There are three ways you can propose an idea for the conference:
1. Guest-curate a session
Take the lead on shaping and delivering a full session on a topic you feel is important to the FAN membership.
2. Share a case study
Submit a case study or example from your organisation to be included in a wider session. This could focus on a project, initiative or piece of learning you think would be valuable to share. It doesn’t need to necessarily be something that could fill a whole session as, in many cases, case studies will be grouped together by theme.
3. Suggest topics or speakers
You can also simply suggest themes, topics or speakers you’d like to see represented in the programme — whether from film exhibition or other sectors.
This is a paid opportunity for the guest curators and case study proposals that we take forward.
What are we looking for?
We’re keen to hear about initiatives you’ve delivered, the challenges you faced and how you addressed them, how you reached new audiences, or any other area of good practice you feel would benefit other FAN members.
Your project or initiative doesn’t need to have been 100% successful – we’re interested in process, learning and outcomes, not just finished results. Don’t be put off if your activity isn’t from a major urban independent cinema or film festival, we’re looking for ideas that are relevant to BFI FAN members of all types and sizes.
Session formats and themes
We’re open to a range of formats, including:
- Panel discussions
- Case study presentations
- Discussion groups
- Workshops
If you have another format in mind, we’re happy to consider it.
Sessions might explore:
- How you initiated and delivered a project to reach new audiences
- A distinctive aspect of your organisation’s work that could inspire the wider FAN membership
- Practical approaches to meeting FAN objectives, including:
- empowering children and young people to engage with screen culture
- increasing access to a wider range of films and stories
- tackling social, economic and geographic barriers
- engaging audiences with screen heritage
- reducing carbon impact
Who can submit an idea?
Proposals are welcome from:
- Anyone working or volunteering at a BFI FAN member organisation
- Anyone who has worked in collaboration with a FAN member organisation
- International film exhibitors and organsiations that have undertaken projects or activity that could be of interest to the BFI FAN membership.
All sessions on UK-based activity will be delivered in person in Newcastle upon Tyne, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
International sessions will also be delivered in person where possible, but there is potential to participate as a speaker remotely where in-person attendance is not feasible.
Fees and support
If your idea is taken forward, we can offer:
- A speaker or panellist fee
- Travel and accommodation
- A pass to attend BFI FAN CON
Fees are:
- £250 for speakers
- £150 for panellists
- Plus agreed expenses and event access
For sessions requiring significant curation and organisation, an additional agreed fee of up to £500 may apply.
How to submit
The closing date for UK submissions is Monday 9 March 2026, at 5pm.
The closing date for International submissions is Monday 23 March 2026 at 5pm (UK time).
Please submit your idea using the Google Forms (link from the button below).
Alternatively, you can send an audio or video recording (up to 8 minutes) describing your idea. We are judging only on content (don’t spend any time on fancy editing or cinematography!). Send a WeTransfer or private YouTube link to: [email protected].
All ideas are reviewed by the Film Hub South East team that is organising BFI FAN CON.
If you want to ask a question about the Open Call, you can email [email protected]