The money, which comes from the council's First Light initiative, is being divided between 20 projects, which involve a combined total of 445 young people aged between five and 18.
Liverpool's Valley Community Theatre is among those benefiting. Its 20,000 will produce four films, including a modern take on the classic Cyrano de Bergerac, where the hero woos his sweetheart by text messages.
Lancaster's Light Productions also received 10,000 to make three films, including one echoing the themes of Billy Elliot.
Arts minister Estelle Morris hailed the grants for "laying the groundwork for future generations of film-makers".
"It is essential we give young people such opportunities if we are to develop the talent that will steer our film industry to future success," she added.
Film Council chief executive John Woodward said: "First Light represents the biggest push in the UK today to give young people the chance to learn new skills and develop their creativity through making films."
First Light, set up in 2001, has given 7,500 young people the chance to write, act, shoot and produce more than 500 short films.
www.firstlightmovies.com.
