Screen Scotland Film Festival & Screening Programme Fund 2026: £15,000–45,000 for Scottish Organisers
Screen Scotland is receiving applications to its 2026/27 NATIONAL LOTTERY FILM FESTIVAL AND SCREENING PROGRAMME FUND. The programme backs organisations based in Scotland that create film festivals and curated public screening programmes. Its focus is to expand access to screen culture for Scottish audiences, particularly people and communities who have historically been underserved or underrepresented.
CLOSING DATE AND IMPORTANT EARLY CLOSURE — Applications for the second 2026/27 round close at MIDNIGHT on THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2026, or EARLIER if the fund's allocation has been fully committed. The organiser expects to give its decision by 1 February 2027. A funded project's first public activity must be at least EIGHT WEEKS after the decision date, and costs incurred before funding are not eligible.
GRANT AMOUNTS — A normal project may request from £15,000 to £45,000. This is investment in a cinema festival or public-screening programme, not a film director's private cash award. A separate two-year Development Funding option may support up to £45,000 PER YEAR for two editions of an eligible festival, with activity through 31 August 2028.
SCOTTISH ENTITY AND EVENT TEST — Applicants must be incorporated organisations BASED IN SCOTLAND and offer a public festival or curated screening series where Scottish audiences are the primary focus. In-person activity must take place in Scotland. Digital screenings are acceptable when supporting access for audiences who would otherwise struggle to attend, with Scotland remaining the main audience.
WHO CANNOT APPLY — The fund excludes individuals, cinemas or venues applying as lead applicants, unincorporated groups and organisations without a UK bank account. Scottish partners can lead projects with an organisation based elsewhere, but an overseas organisation cannot simply apply by itself. Applicants already receiving Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding cannot normally lead a separate request under this fund.
MANDATORY CO-FUNDING — At least 30% of the proposed project budget SHOULD come from other sources, such as sponsorship, box office, partner organisations or other public/private contributors, whether cash or in-kind. Established festivals are expected to secure a greater share. If the matching support is not yet confirmed, the funder says it may still consider an application but can ask for supporting evidence later.
BFI DIVERSITY STANDARDS STEP — BEFORE applying to Screen Scotland, applicants must first apply to the BFI Diversity Standards. They do not have to receive the BFI decision before submitting the Screen Scotland funding request. Omitting the standards application is an important procedural oversight and can lead to an incomplete proposal.
PROGRAMME QUALITY — Screen Scotland values diverse screen-culture programming, accessible screenings, regional reach, innovation in film exhibition, audience development, talent engagement and sustainability. Film hire, public programme delivery, guest speakers, consultation, outreach, directly related staff costs and digital promotion may be eligible project expenses.
FILMMAKING IS NOT THE PRIMARY PURPOSE — Standalone film production, filmmaking labs where filmmakers are the main audience, school programmes, core venue programmes and industry training are outside this public-exhibition programme's principal focus. Organisers with no track record of delivering film screenings or film festivals are advised to build some prior experience before applying.
ABOUT SCREEN SCOTLAND — Screen Scotland is the dedicated screen agency supported by Creative Scotland and Scottish partners. It works on film and TV development, screen culture, exhibition, production capacity and professional skills, with a public grant programme and institutional reporting requirements.
OFFICIAL DETAILS AND APPLICATION — https://www.screen.scot/funding-and-support/funding/film-festival-and-screening-programme-fund . Obtain current Programme Guidelines, the project budget and the Diversity Standards form from the organiser before applying. Verified 22 October 2026.