A replica BAFTA mask was donated to the Shanghai Film Museum as BAFTA looks to build links with creative talent in China.
On 3 March 2015, BAFTA’s president, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, presented a BAFTA award to the Shanghai Film Museum as a donation to the museum’s collection. The donation is in recognition of China’s rich film culture and is a symbol of BAFTA’s intentions to forge stronger links with the creative talent in the country.
The award, the iconic BAFTA mask, is a replica of the first BAFTA awarded to Chinese film director Zhang Yimou, for Raise The Red Lantern in the ‘Film Not in the English Language’ category in 1993. Yimou, who is one of China’s most respected filmmakers, has won two BAFTAs and, along with his wife Chen Ting, was present when the replica mask was donated.
BAFTA’s CEO Amanda Berry described the significance of the occasion, saying; “BAFTA has a history of recognising Chinese creative talent through our Film Awards. We look forward to establishing even greater ties with the industry through our future activity in China.”
Film director Zhang Yimou said: “I'm thrilled that BAFTA has chosen to donate a replica of the award I won for Raise the Red Lantern to the Shanghai Film Museum. This will allow many people to see the BAFTA award that means so much to me.”
