Art of Action

News Story

BFI FAN is proud to unveil a new UK-wide season – Art of Action – celebrating the artistry of real action choreography that’s kept audiences on the edge of their seats since the early days of cinema.

Conceived by FAN and delivered in partnership with BFI, Art of Action offers an action-packed journey through cinema from the jaw-dropping stunts of silent cinema pioneers via the daredevil ethos of Hong Kong filmmaking to today’s intricate dynamic visual choreography.

Art of Action will explore the cinematic artistry, skill and craft involved in creating iconic sequences and films, as well as engage with the historic roots and cross-cultural influences of action cinema. You can also expect behind-the-scenes insights into the daring and ground-breaking world of the film action community and opportunities for the next generation of creatives.

Backed by a UK-wide Press and marketing campaign and a central listing platform, the season will have a broad audience appeal.

We are now inviting cinemas, festivals and multi arts & media organisations to present seasons, events and screenings that celebrate the art of action and the stunt community since the invention of cinema.

You must be a member of Film Hub London as part of BFI Film Audience Network to access support from this programme

Credit: Run Lola Run © 1998 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved

How do I become a Film Hub Member?

To be eligible for support, organisations must be registered members of the Film Hub London.

If you are not already a member of the hub you can look at the criteria and apply here.

Where do I start?

Look at the Creative Brief below for more information about the programme scope and to get some inspiration.

Also get ideas from the list of available contextual titles that are available to book.

What is available?

There are three ways you can engage with the programme and access support:

  • 1) MENU: Pick from the menu of key titles available from assorted distributors in the UK and access support of up to £125 per film for enhancement wraparound activity and audience development; with a very straight- forward process to access the support.
  • 2) BESPOKE: Up to £15,000 (average awards likely to be circa £5,000 based on previous activity) to develop bespoke projects to allow exhibitors to develop a more bespoke activity within the parameters of the Creative Brief.
  • 3) CROSS-FAN: Up to £15,000 to develop programme and/or Marketing/Outreach Activity with the potential to scale or tour across the UK and/or projects involving multiple site-specific events across the UK. Read the Funding Guidelines for more information and guidance.


Credit: Police Story Trilogy – Copyright Eureka Entertainment

What are the guidelines for this fund?

Please read carefully the Creative Brief and Funding Guidelines below.

How do I apply?

Below you will find a Word version of the Bespoke/Cross-FAN form to plan your application, however, all applications should be submitted through the button towards the bottom of this page.

Unfortunately, the application process cannot be saved mid-progress, so please bear this in mind when completing your proposal.


Key dates:

  • Final deadline for Bespoke and Cross FAN Proposals – 5pm Friday 21 June 2024
  • Decisions made: Monday 15 July 2024
  • Menu Expressions of Interest can be submitted until Monday 30 September 2024
  • BFI Full Programme announcement: early August
  • Period of Activity: October – December 2024 (except for the Menu titles which can be booked until January 2025 and some special regional preview events)

If you require access support when completing the form, please email us at filmhublondon@filmlondon.org.uk to discuss how we can help.

You can find further support for access here.

Credit: Polite Society (2023) – Copyright Universal Pictures