Rip It Up

BFI FAN marks 75 years of youth culture in the UK

Rocks
Courtesy of Altitude Films.

Reflect on the evolution of generational rebellion...

Trainspotting
Courtesy of Park Circus & Film 4

Here’s to the joy and defiance of being young in the UK...

Pride
Courtesy of Park Circus & Pathe.

The 2026 BFI FAN UK-wide season – Rip It Up – explores and celebrates the changing face of youth rebellion, culture and expression – from joy to heartbreak – on screen in the UK.

Youth culture in the UK has a wide and varied history, from the defiant rebellion of Teddy Boys, mods and rockers and the many activist movements that have shaped our society to hedonistic self-expression in the music and fashion scenes and the emotional rollercoaster that simply is being a teenager – all of which have been portrayed on screen in a multitude of ways.
With The Southbank Centre marking the 75th anniversary of the Festival of Britain – a landmark moment of post-war cultural renewal – and the 50th anniversary of Punk being celebrated in 2026, BFI FAN members are invited to join in these UK wide celebrations and explore how youth scenes and counterculture have impacted and resonate to this day inspiring new generations and beyond.

Rip It Up has two core elements that will need to include big screen moments and offer audiences opportunities to reflect on the evolution of generational rebellion from the 1950s through to today here in the UK (read more in the Creative Brief).

There are three types of funding available depending on the type of activity you want to deliver.
Please read carefully the Creative Brief and Funding Guidelines below. 

Guidelines:

Gather ideas from the season Menu title list of films available to book.

Period of activity:

  • The season activity will take place from May – October 2026.

Key dates:

  • First deadline for Bespoke and Cross-FAN proposals, 5pm, Monday 13th April 2026
  • Final deadline for Bespoke proposals, 5pm, Wednesday 1st July 2026 (subject to funds remaining)
  • Deadline for Menu title proposals, 5pm, Monday 7th September 2026 (subject to funds remaining)

Note: for your activity to be included in the initial listings announcement, you will need to confirm your bookings by the end of April 2026.

You must be a member of Film Hub Wales to access support from this programme. If you are not a member, you can sign-up here.

If you have any queries about how to submit your application, please email [email protected]

  • Key Menu titles: Up to £500 (£125 per film). Pick from the season Menu title list and access support for enhanced activities and audience development. Please note: this funding is not to cover minimum guarantees.
  • Bespoke: Up to £15,000 (average awards likely to be circa £5,000) to develop bespoke projects within the parameters of the Creative Brief.
  • Cross-FAN (programmes that cover multiple BFI FAN regions): Up to £15,000. To develop a programme and/or Marketing/Outreach Activity with the potential to scale or tour across the UK and/or projects involving multiple site-specific events across the UK. Read the Funding Guidelines for more information and contact Ti Singh ([email protected]) at Film Hub South West to discuss your ideas before you submit a proposal.
    Please note that funding for Cross-FAN projects this year is limited, proposals will need to have a clear audience development and outreach plan as well as confirmation from five or more venues about their participation to be considered.
  • Menu Applications – a simplified proposal that requires basic/topline information.
  • Bespoke and *Cross-FAN – to help plan your proposal, you can use a template of the Application Form here. Please also download the Budget template before you begin an online application. Please note that you will need to upload a copy of your completed budget with your online application.

*Cross-FAN only – please ensure you have contacted Ti Singh ([email protected]) at Film Hub South West to discuss your ideas before you submit a proposal.

  • All applications should be submitted via our online application form – please note the form cannot be saved mid-progress. 

BFI Access Support scheme

  • If you have access requirements that mean you need assistance with the process, you may be able to benefit from the BFI Access Support scheme.
^
EN
Film Hub Wales | Canolfan Ffilm Cymru
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.