Michaela Coel, BFI and BMW Launch BMW Filmmaker Challenge

Emmy award-winning screenwriter Michaela Coel has teamed up with BMW and the British Film Institute (BFI) to launch the all-new BMW Filmmaker Challenge, offering up-and-coming filmmakers across the U.K. the chance to be mentored by her.

The challenge offers entrants the chance to win £10,000 (approximately $12,000 USD) to fund their film, alongside a series of mentoring sessions with Coel. Aiming to support the development of bold, forward-thinking storytellers, the challenge will provide five shortlisted filmmakers with access to a production budget, emerging technology and as a result: unparalleled experimentation.

From those shortlisted, one winning film will be selected to premiere on the closing night of the BFI London Film Festival, taking place in October 2023. All shortlisted films will also be available on BFI Player. As part of the BFI's involvement, the challenge will receive exposure to the BFI's UK-wide talent development programme, offering access to filmmaking teams throughout the company.

"I hope this Filmmaking Challenge provides an opportunity for creatives to explore new and interesting perspectives, allowing us to discover the stories yet to be told. The BMW i7's technology and theatre screen, which is much wider than we'd traditionally watch, will push creatives to think more expansively. I look forward to geeking out with the filmmakers about their ideas and providing a sounding board as a mentor throughout this process," Coel shared in a press release.

For more information on how to enter, head to BMW's website.

In other news, SMILEY launched a creator fund for sustainable designers.