BFI Network selects 15 filmmakers for LFF development programme (exclusive)

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Network@LFF

Source: Network@LFF

Left to right - first row: Charlotte Scott-Wilson, Cherish Oteka, Danielle Goff, Iggy London, Dorothy Allen-Pickard, Iona Firouzabadi. Middle row: Toby Bull, Jack Benjamin Gill, Mared Swain, Benjamin Bee. Bottom row: Paul Skillen, Radha Bhandari, Tommy Gillard, Rebekah Fortune, Paul Holbrook

The British Film Institute (BFI) Network has unveiled 15 filmmakers who will participate in London Film Festival’s (LFF, October 5-16) professional development programme Network@LFF.

Taking place October 7-10, the programme will consist of masterclasses and networking events with established filmmakers from around the world who are presenting work at this year’s festival.

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The 2022 cohort, who were selected out of 596 participants, includes Screen Star of Tomorrow 2019 Benjamin Bee. The filmmaker, who identifies as neurodivergent and disabled, is currently working on his debut feature Marwell which was selected for Biennale College Cinema, EIFF Talent Lab Connects, and is in development with the BFI Film Fund.

Also participating is Rebekah Fortune who was nominated for Berlinale VFF Talent award. Her 2017 feature Just Charlie won an audience award at Edinburgh while her short films Her Majesty and Bebe A.I have screened in multiple festivals.

Alice Cabañas, who is in her first year as head of BFI Network, said: “The calibre of applicants this year was really high, and it felt hugely exciting, inspiring and humbling to read all of the applications and underlines just what a wealth of emerging talent and vast range of distinct and different voices we have in the UK.

“The group will interact with leading international filmmakers and execs, and network with key decision makers and industry professionals that will help them take that next step in their careers.”

This is the eighth year Network@LFF has run. Former recent participants include Screen Star 2022 Luna Carmoon, whose debut feature Hoard is screening as part of LFF’s works-in-progress showcase, and Screen Star 2021 Andrew Cumming who is also presenting his debut The Origin at LFF - world premiering in the ‘Cult’ strand.