Sean Connery Institute to open in Edinburgh in 2027

Edinburgh is getting a permanent film school carrying Sean Connery's name.

The UK's National Film and Television School (NFTS) has partnered with the Sean Connery Foundation to create the NFTS Sean Connery Institute, due to launch in 2027, Variety reported on 22 September.

The centre is planned for central Edinburgh. Its permanent home is expected to open within the next 18 months.

It will house NFTS training programmes in one place. It will also run a public programme of screenings, masterclasses, conversations and events. That twin role makes it part school, part venue.

The institute builds on nine years of NFTS activity in Scotland under the NFTS Scotland banner. That history includes the Sean Connery Talent Lab, launched in 2023 by the school with the Foundation.

The Lab is an intensive, year-long development programme for emerging Scottish writers, directors, producers, cinematographers and editors. It is led by Scottish producer Chris Young. It is supported by BBC Film and partners.

Its third cohort is now in production. Since it began, the Lab has supported 75 filmmakers.

Twelve films made through the Lab were selected for world premieres, their first public screenings, at the Edinburgh Film Festival in 2025 and 2026. The first Lab alone produced six shorts made by six filmmaking teams, Screen Daily reported in 2025.

For people in Edinburgh, this means more chances to watch and learn. Students will train inside. Audiences can walk in for films and talks.

The next step for new entrants is already dated. The 2027 intake is a 12-month, part-time, in-person Diploma based in Scotland from May 2027, with seminars and workshops built in. Applications opened on 14 August 2026 and close on 10 November 2026, according to course listings on the NFTS site. Participants will need to be available from April 2027.

The school is led by director Jon Wardle.