BAFTA NEW YORK MEDIA STUDIES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
BAFTA New York’s strong scholarship program supports Scholars not only during their course of study, but also after graduation, with mentoring opportunities and access to programs and special events. BAFTA New York Scholars are a diverse group of uniquely talented individuals who have gone on to become writers, directors, editors and professors. Our Scholars tell us their BAFTA Scholarship was very important to them not only financially but also because it made them feel part of a special group of industry professionals.
"When I learned that I received a BAFTA New York Scholarship it was one of my happiest moments to date. Becoming a part of the BAFTA family was special to me; not only for the monetary gain but the networking opportunities and the knowledge. I am forever thankful for this program and will continue to make you proud!"
- Sidnei Afari, 2016 Scholar
John Sowulski, 2014 Scholar
John is currently the Key Production Assistant on Madam Secretary (Season 4 - CBS), and has been a staff PA on High Maintenance (Season 2 - HBO), Madam Secretary (Season 3), Master of None (Season 2 - Netflix) and Crashing (season 1 - HBO). He is working his my way towards being eligible to apply to the DGA and work as an Assistant Director in TV and movies.
Lucien Follini-Press, 2014 Scholar
Lucien is now a commercial writer and director who has worked on campaigns for Jay Z, Budweiser, Adidas, North Face and Philips. He is working on developing a number of narrative television and film projects, including the TV series The Last Cocktail Party for the BBC / Netflix, and adapting the novels War of Wings by Tanner McElroy.
Charlotte Wells, 2015 Scholar
Charlotte’s first short film, Tuesday, was nominated at the 2018 London Critics Circle Awards for British/Irish Short Film of the Year. Her film, Laps, won a Short Film Special Jury Prize for Editing at Sundance Film Festival and Special Jury Recognition for Narrative Shorts at SXSW Film Festival 2017. The film is now available on Vimeo as a Staff Pick Premiere. Her thesis short, Blue Christmas, premiered at TIFF 2017, screened at Sundance Film Festival 2018, and was long listed for BIFA 2017 Best British Short Film.
Rhys M. Jones, 2016 Scholar
"Since receiving the BAFTA New York Scholarship, I have made two short films that have both played worldwide and given me the first taste of the festival circuit. I am currently gearing up to shoot my thesis film in North Wales, a project that was chosen as one of sixteen films by the NISI MASA European Short Pitch Program. The film feels like the accumulation of my output to date and is an exploration of my Irish and Welsh heritage. I am forever thankful of the continuing support of BAFTA."
Sidnei Afari, 2016 Scholar
Sidnei is working at MTV as an Executive Assistant for the SVP of Current Series, working on various unscripted shows like Catfish and Teen Mom. She also works at her church, Grace United Methodist Church, as one of the youngest directors at their Audio Visual Ministry. Her main focus is creating a documentary series highlighting black women, working title Shades of Ebony. The series seeks to shine light on black women through expression of their mind, history and emotion.
Rituparna Das Datta, 2016 Scholar
Ritapurna finished her thesis project Canvas with the help of her BAFTA New York Scholarship. The film premiered at the Kolkata International Film Festival. After Canvas she made two more short films in India and is currently working on her first full length feature on the topic of child abuse, child protection laws and CPS.