RFAs: National Lottery Film Festival and Screening Programme Fund (UK)

Deadline: 12-Nov-2026

The National Lottery Film Festival and Screening Programme Fund supports organisations based in Scotland that deliver film festivals and curated screening programmes for public audiences, especially underserved and underrepresented groups. Funding ranges from £15,000 to £45,000, with development funding available on an annual basis, and all activity must take place by 31 August 2027 or 31 August 2028 for development projects.

Overview

The National Lottery Film Festival and Screening Programme Fund is designed to help organisations in Scotland produce film festivals and public screening programmes. It focuses on increasing access to film culture and supporting activity that engages local audiences across the country.

The fund gives particular attention to underserved and underrepresented communities. It is intended to strengthen the quality, reach, and public value of film festival and screening activity in Scotland.

Key facts

• Programme type: Film festival and screening support fund.

• Geographic focus: Scotland.

• Funding range: £15,000 to £45,000.

• Development Funding: Available on a per-year basis within the same range.

• Activity deadline: 31 August 2027.

• Development funding deadline: 31 August 2028.

• Audience focus: Primarily audiences in Scotland.

• Format: In-person events, with digital elements allowed where helpful.

What the fund supports

The fund supports organisations that:

• Deliver film festivals.

• Deliver curated screening programmes.

• Engage public audiences in Scotland.

• Prioritise underserved and underrepresented audiences.

• Use in-person and digital formats to broaden access.

The aim is to help organisations create public-facing film experiences that are inclusive, high-quality, and culturally relevant.

Audience focus

A strong feature of the fund is its emphasis on priority audiences. These may include communities that are often underrepresented in cultural programming or less likely to attend mainstream film events.

Digital components can be included when they help reach people who cannot attend in person. However, the main focus must remain on audiences in Scotland.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must:

• Be organisations based in Scotland.

• Have experience producing events and film screenings.

• Deliver activities primarily for audiences in Scotland.

This makes the fund best suited to established cultural organisations, festivals, community groups, and screening providers with a track record in public programming.

Funding and timeline

Funding is available in the following range:

• £15,000 to £45,000.

• Development funding is also available, per year, within the same range.

All events must be completed by 31 August 2027. Development Funding projects may continue until 31 August 2028.

What strong applications should show

Competitive applications should demonstrate:

• A clear festival or screening programme plan.

• Strong links to audiences in Scotland.

• Experience delivering film events.

• Attention to accessibility and inclusion.

• Specific strategies for reaching priority groups.

• A realistic delivery schedule within the deadline.

Why it matters

This fund matters because film festivals and screening programmes play a key role in how audiences discover and engage with film culture. By supporting local organisations, it helps broaden access to cinema experiences that may otherwise be limited.

It also matters because it encourages a more inclusive screen sector. Supporting underserved audiences can help build stronger cultural participation and more representative public programming in Scotland.

How to prepare

1. Define the audience.
   Show clearly who the programme is for and why it matters to those audiences.

2. Build a focused programme.
   Make sure the festival or screening series is coherent and deliverable.

3. Include accessibility and outreach.
   Show how you will reach underrepresented groups and remove barriers to participation.

4. Match the timeline.
   Ensure all events fit within the required end date.

5. Show local impact.
   Emphasise the benefit to audiences in Scotland.

Common mistakes and tips

• Mistake: Submitting a project that is too broad.

  • Tip: Keep the programme targeted and realistic.

• Mistake: Ignoring underserved audiences.

  • Tip: Make inclusion central to the proposal.

• Mistake: Focusing on audiences outside Scotland.

  • Tip: The fund is primarily for Scottish audiences.

• Mistake: Missing the deadline window.

  • Tip: Plan all activity to finish by the required date.

• Mistake: Treating digital activity as a substitute for public engagement.

  • Tip: Use digital elements to complement, not replace, audience-facing events.

FAQ

Who can apply?

• Organisations based in Scotland.

• Applicants should have experience producing events and film screenings.

What kind of activity is supported?

• Film festivals.

• Curated screening programmes.

• Public audience engagement in Scotland.

How much funding is available?

• £15,000 to £45,000.

• Development Funding is available per year in the same range.

Who should the programme serve?

• Public audiences in Scotland.

• Especially underserved and underrepresented groups.

When must activity be completed?

• By 31 August 2027.

• Development Funding projects by 31 August 2028.

Conclusion

The National Lottery Film Festival and Screening Programme Fund is a strong opportunity for Scottish organisations that can deliver inclusive, audience-focused film programming. The most competitive projects will combine clear public benefit, strong local reach, and thoughtful engagement with communities that are often underserved in cultural life.

For more information, visit Screen Scotland.