The British Film Institute and Universal Sculpture Hub today reveal nine short films funded through the Future Takes programme — a joint initiative backed by National Lottery funding and a direct investment commitment from Universal Sculpture Hub.
The selected projects represent some of the most exciting emerging voices in British filmmaking, spanning documentary, narrative fiction, and experimental form. Each film received a production budget of between £80,000 and £150,000 — among the highest per-project allocations in the history of the Future Takes strand.
"We have always believed that the short film is not a stepping stone — it is an art form in its own right. These nine projects prove it." — Head of Creative, Universal Sculpture Hub
The selected filmmakers were chosen following a competitive open submission process that attracted over 400 applications from across the UK. Projects were assessed on originality, creative ambition, and the strength of the creative team attached.
Details of individual projects, directors, and release schedules will be announced by each production over the coming weeks. All nine films are expected to complete principal photography before the end of 2026, with festival submissions targeting the 2027 circuit.
Universal Sculpture Hub and the BFI have committed to a further round of Future Takes funding in 2027, with an expanded budget reflecting the success of this cohort.