The BFI’s mission is to support creativity and seek out the next generation of UK storytellers. It aims to grow and care for the BFI National Archive, the world's largest film and television archive, and offers the widest range of UK and international moving image culture through its programmes and festivals. The organisation also seeks to educate and deepens public appreciation and understanding of screen culture, and works with both the Government and the industry to ensure the continued growth of the UK's screen industries.

The BFI has free, publicly accessible resources such as sector data and insights, archive titles on the BFI Replay, Filmmaking toolkits from BFI NETWORK, and resources for educators.