SET is proud to announce a major new development under our SET Film Festival: the launch of the inaugural Accelerator Programme.

While many in our community know SET for our artist studio spaces and exhibitions, the SET Film Festival has established itself over the last four years as an international platform for experimental practices and emerging voices. To deepen our overarching commitment to long-term artist support and help address the diverse structural and financial barriers faced by emerging artists and filmmakers across the industry, the festival team is introducing a new, entirely free, three-month development programme for 2026.

Conceived as a direct response to these industry challenges, this initiative is designed as a practical, supportive space for filmmakers to advance their practice, learn alongside peers, and successfully realise the projects they are currently working on.

Running on a flexible, hybrid basis from 15 July to 15 October 2026, the programme offers three selected cohort members the dedicated time and environment to bring these works to completion. Participants will benefit from structured guidance, bespoke curatorial support, and professional development sessions covering form, style, creative direction, pitching, and festival promotion. The group will also receive dedicated mentorship from industry experts and guest contributors across the spheres of film production, exhibition, and distribution.

Reflecting SET’s core mission to provide tangible platforms for artistic growth, the programme culminates in a unique public presentation, offering the cohort the opportunity to showcase their completed projects or programme outcomes as a dedicated showcase at this year’s festival in November.

Applications are open to anyone currently residing in the UK with a film or video project at any stage of production or post-production. Submissions across all cinematic genres are welcome, including artists’ moving image, documentary, narrative, fiction, and experimental cinema.

The deadline for applications for the inaugural cohort is 30 June 2026 at 23:59pm BST.

To read the full eligibility criteria, selection details, and to submit your application, please visit our dedicated page below.