BAFTA/Jamie Simonds The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has opened applications to a scholarship programme that will enable two talented Chinese nationals from mainland China or Hong Kong to take an industry-focussed course in film, games or television in the UK. Applications for 2018-19 academic year are now open at: https://www.bafta.org/asia/initiatives/scholarships.
The scholarships aim to encourage cross-cultural exchange between British and Chinese nationals. British citizens will also be funded to study similar courses in mainland China or Hong Kong.
Chinese nationals can apply for up to £10,000 towards course fees at an industry-recognised UK institution, plus up to £5,000 for living expenses. The two Chinese scholarship recipients will also be mentored by a British industry professional, and have free access to BAFTA events. In return, the BAFTA Scholars will share their learning experiences on BAFTA Guru, BAFTA’s online learning resource (www.bafta.org/guru), and participate in BAFTA outreach to young people.
BAFTA first awarded a scholarship to a student from Hong Kong in 2014, and awarded two students from mainland China for the first time in 2016. In 2017, BAFTA awarded scholarships to five Chinese students. All the current BAFTA Scholars attended this year’s BAFTA Film Awards.
BAFTA Scholar Haolu Wang from Xuzhou in Jiangsu Province, is studying Directing Fiction at the National Film and Television School (NFTS). Haulu’s mentor is the BAFTA and Oscar-nominated writer-director Alex Garland (Ex Machina). Haolu said: “It’s an absolute honour and privilege to be awarded a BAFTA scholarship ... I owe a huge thank you to BAFTA for giving me the most fantastic mentor, Alex Garland. He has been absolutely supportive and generous with his time and advice - I'm learning so much from him.”
BAFTA Scholar Edward Lun, from Hong Kong, is studying the MComp in Composition for Screen at the Royal College of Music (RCM). Edward’s mentor is BAFTA-nominated composer Ilan Eshkeri (The Snowman and the Snowdog). Edward said: “Being a BAFTA scholar is definitely a dream come true.
The scholarship does not only ease my financial burden of oversea studies but it is also an important recognition of my current work. Joining the BAFTA community is a precious opportunity for me to learn and meet from filmmakers from all over the world. And with the mentorship scheme, it provides a clear goal for me to continue my ambition on the art of film music, and to contribute to both the industry and related education in the UK and China.”
Sara Putt, Chair of BAFTA’s Learning and New Talent Committee, said: “Our Chinese BAFTA Scholars are some of the most impressive students that we support. They share insights from China with their peers in the UK, and we introduce them to leading figures in the British film, games and television industries. Applicants need to contact their chosen course directly to arrange their studies, but then they are welcome to apply for our scholarship for the chance to receive a range of financial and professional support.”
The BAFTA Scholarship Programme in China has been made possible by the generous support of Kevin and Carrie Burke.
For further information, please contact:
Arthur R. Hagopian at Strategic PR Group (Beijing)
T (86) 10 8580 4258 x220
Jan Pang at BAFTA (Hong Kong)
T+852 9180 0886
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