Channel 4 and Sony Pictures Television are once again joining forces to support Momentum, the programme for Black, British based filmmakers, created by film exhibition and distribution company We Are Parable.
Applications are now open and the initiative will be recruiting another 30 creatives from around the United Kingdom and providing them an industry mentor, access to sector professionals (by way of best practice masterclasses) and mental health wellbeing sessions, designed for emerging talent.
Neila Butt, Creative Equity Lead at Channel 4 comments: “Momentum continues to be a vital platform for supporting and elevating Black British creatives. This collaboration between Channel 4’s 4Skills and its Creative Equity team with We Are Parable and SPT continues to make a real difference in supporting emerging talent, ensuring the Black British filmmakers of tomorrow receive the guidance, opportunities and wellbeing support they need to thrive.”
Hannah Smith and Gemma Isaac, Co-Chair, SPT Creative Diversity Fund, say, “Momentum has proven to be an invaluable resource for previous cohorts and an important first step for many finding their way into the industry, so it’s fantastic to see the programme return in 2026. We look forward to continuing our partnership with We Are Parable and Channel 4 on this important initiative, and to supporting Momentum alumni as they build the skills, connections, and confidence to thrive in the industry.”
“We couldn’t be happier that after a short break, Momentum is returning in 2026,” Anthony Andrews, co-founder and creative director of We Are Parable, says. “We’ve seen first-hand how previous cohorts have used their time on the programme to propel themselves forward in their career – from crowdfunding their next short film, to screening their films at global festivals.”
Momentum is funded by Channel 4’s development programme 4Skills and run in association with Channel 4’s Creative Equity team and Sony Pictures Television, with financial support from the Sony Pictures Television Creative Diversity Fund. One hundred and forty Black filmmakers have participated in Momentum, many of whom have gone on to secure funding, distribution deals, and international recognition. While the new cohort will follow a tailored schedule, Momentum alumni will benefit from programming designed specifically for their continued growth. These include masterclasses with established filmmaking talent, networking “meet up” events, and further opportunities to strengthen their creative and professional journeys.
We Are Parable will also collaborate with Channel 4 and SPT to identify leading industry experts within each organisation who will serve as mentors for the programme. These mentors will provide tailored guidance, share best practices, and offer invaluable insights into the realities of the sector, ensuring that participants benefit from both creative inspiration and practical industry knowledge.
Momentum supports participants through dedicated mental health and wellbeing sessions with a psychological therapist. “Partnering with We Are Parable on the Momentum programme has been incredibly meaningful for us at Inside Out Well-being,” says Vanessa Boachie, Psychological Therapist & Founder of Inside Out. “Since 2020, we have worked together to provide Black filmmakers with mental wellbeing support that recognises the unique challenges and pressures of navigating the film industry, particularly in spaces where representation can be limited. By creating safe spaces for reflection and offering practical tools and strategies, we aim to support filmmakers in protecting their mental health while continuing to grow both personally and professionally.”
Pippa Considine
Share this story
