Young Directors Graduate From BFI Academy

Fifty-four young filmmakers from all over England have gathered at BFI Southbank, London, to graduate from the first ever BFI Film Academy residential programme with the National Film and Television School (NFTS).
Parents and film industry heavyweights, including Les Miserables director Eric Fellner and James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, gathered for the premier of the six short films written, produced, directed, and edited by students during the two-week course.
For the past two weeks the students, aged 16-19, have been working with tutors and film experts including cinematographer Brian Tufano (Trainspotting, Billy Elliot), director Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead), producer Rebecca O’Brien (The Angel’s Share, The Wind That Shakes the Barley), director Brian Gilbert (Wilde, Tom & Viv) and producer Michelle Eastwood (In Our Name).
BFI Chair Greg Dyke, who hosted the event and presented each student with their graduation certificate said: "We knew there was extraordinary young film talent in the UK but even we have been staggered by the standard of filmmaking at the BFI Film Academy.
"The great thing about the Academy is that we’ve got students from all backgrounds, from all over the UK, taking part. The BFI Film Academy is exactly what we need to find the Danny Boyle of the future. Supporting the talent of tomorrow is fundamental to the future success and growth of the UK film industry."
Nik Powell, NFTS Director said: "It’s inspiring to see the hunger for knowledge among these young filmmakers. We hope that the skills we’ve given them at the NFTS will provide the launch pad and confidence they need to fulfil their ambitions."
The BFI Film Academy is the result of a partnership with the Department for Education in England, which has provided £3m funding for the programme over three years.
The BFI plans to "revolutionise film education for 5-19 year olds across the UK over the next five years".
Alongside the NFTS, the BFI has worked with 24 regional delivery partners across England for the BFI’s Film Academy Network and with support from BAFTA, Pinewood Studios and Creative Skillset.
www.bfi.org.uk
(IT/CD)