April 2026
The Race Equality Foundation is proud to partner with LADBible Group, Young Arrows, and Merman to launch Pitch Your Story – a new initiative opening doors for emerging creatives and filmmakers across the UK.
This national short film competition invites young people to pitch an idea for a social-first short film (60–120 seconds) exploring what it means to call the UK home in 2026, amid the rise of overt and systemic racism. The winning idea will be brought to life with up to £15,000 in production support and mentorship.
At the Race Equality Foundation, we challenge racism and discrimination and elevate voices often left unheard – including those of young people from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities. This competition aligns with our mission by removing barriers and creating opportunities for stories that don’t always get told.
Read on for the full details on how to apply, and please do share with anyone who may benefit from this excellent opportunity.
Questions of identity, belonging, and who gets to feel “at home” are being challenged more than ever. For many people – particularly those from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities – life in the UK is shaped by both overt and systemic racism.
Your film could take many forms – a personal story or portrait, a reflection on your hometown or community, a manifesto or anthem, a profile or observational piece, or something entirely unexpected. What matters is not the format, but the honesty and clarity of the story being told.
The initiative is open to:
- Students currently studying media, film, communications, or related disciplines at UK colleges or universities.
- Junior creatives & filmmakers working in advertising, media, or film who have a maximum of 3 years experience.
- Applicants must be 18+ and no prior professional production experience is required.
To apply, entrants are asked to submit a concept for a short film, not a finished piece. The focus is on the strength of the idea rather than polished visuals.
📅 Deadline for entries: Midnight, Monday 11th May 2026
📍 Submit your pitch: entries.britisharrows.com
👉 To find out more about entry requirements, see below to download the full briefing document:
