EXCLUSIVE: BFI and BAFTA have established the 2023 cohort of the BFI Flare x BAFTA Mentoring Programme, which will mentor six LGBTQIA+ filmmakers as they make their debut in film and television.
The program is run in partnership with BFI Network and is in its ninth year. Alums are Aleem Khan (After love), Joy Gharoro Akpojotor (Blue History, Boxing Day), Georgi Banks-Davies (i hate suzie), Kayleigh Llewellyn (In My Skin, Killing Eve)and Georgia Oakley (Blue pants).
This year’s program supports writer Dylan Brady, writer/director Phoebe Brooks, writer Matilda Feyiṣayọ Ibini, writer/director Sarah Grant, writer Bethan Marlow, and writer/director/producer Shiva Raichandani.
The initiative will connect participants with industry mentors and invite them to a two-day lab of events during BFI Flare, BFI’s LGBTQIA+ film festival. The festival takes place this month from March 15 to 26. They also have access to wellness and career coaching, as well as the BAFTA membership platform for emerging and mid-level talent, Connect.
According to the BFI, the call for filmmakers received a record number of applications this year, with a 54% increase on the previous year. The agency said the filmmakers were “selected based on the quality and potential of the exciting, challenging and original projects they are developing.”
“This year’s program showcases a truly exciting cohort that we are once again delighted to support in partnership with BFI Flare and BFI Network,” said Cassandra Neal, BAFTA New Talent and Industry Manager.
“Over the years we have seen how dedicated industry access, wellness and coaching support can be transformative for aspiring filmmakers at this critical stage of their careers. I encourage the industry to take note of this year’s amazing lineup and the LGBTQIA+ stories they love to tell.”
Michael Blyth, BFI Flare Senior Programmer added: “As well as showcasing the work of many queer filmmakers annually, BFI Flare is committed to supporting and nurturing the next generation of LGBTQI+ storytellers. It has been so exciting to see what alumni have achieved since joining the mentoring program and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this year’s incredibly talented cohort.”
Source: Deadline
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
