As we reflect on news from the first half of 2026, we’re delighted to celebrate a dynamic group of alumni making strides in the feature film space. The project was supported by BFI NETWORK in partnership with Ffilm Cymru Wales. Both Fortune and Tarling have been supported by BFI NETWORK through the Early Development Fund, with Fortune also receiving BFI NETWORK short film funding support for her 2018 short Pennywort and being part of the 2022 BFI NETWORK@LFF cohort. Also featured is BFI funded film Daughter of Eden from writer-director Fateme Ahmadi, who was previously supported with her BFI NETWORK short Bitter Sea. The showcase also spotlights Florid, from writer-director Billy Lumby (BFI NETWORK@LFF 2018), produced by Rupert Lloyd and Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor (BFI NETWORK x BAFTA Mentoring programme in partnership with BFI Flare 2016).