Channel 4 and Sony Pictures Television support return of We Are Parable’s Momentum programme

Channel 4 and Sony Pictures Television (“SPT”) are once again joining forces to support Momentum …

The groundbreaking programme for Black, British based filmmakers, created by the award-winning film exhibition and distribution company We Are Parable.

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.”

Having been conceived in 2021, Momentum will return in 2026 for its fourth iteration, 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 to empower and equip new and emerging talent.

“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, 2026 marks a significant milestone: for the first time, Momentum alumni will benefit from exclusive 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.

A key differentiator of Momentum is its commitment to supporting 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. 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. We look forward to supporting the next cohort of creatives on their journey.” Vanessa Boachie, Psychological Therapist & Founder of Inside Out (Well-being).

“Our Momentum participants consistently highlight how vital these wellbeing sessions are to their ongoing development,” added Anthony Andrews, “We believe it’s crucial to ensure that, wherever possible, creatives have access to a secure and supportive space where they can speak openly, reflect, and build resilience. These sessions are not just about managing challenges they’re about equipping filmmakers with the confidence and clarity to thrive in an often demanding industry.”

Building on this commitment to holistic support, 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.

Together, these elements mental health and wellbeing support alongside direct mentorship from established professionals underscore Momentum’s unique approach: nurturing talent not only through skills and opportunities, but also by fostering the emotional and professional resilience required to sustain long-term careers in film.

Applications are now open for the 2026/27 cohort – see here for more information.