Encouraging creativity in young people is incredibly important. It can help them to develop life skills, boost mental wellbeing, and aid self-expressions.
A great example of the impact helping young people embrace their creative side can have is BAFTA’s yearly Young Presenters competition.
Every year two young people are selected to help us host events and content that is aimed at their peers. And as 2025’s Young Presenters competition launches what better time to catch up with two of our previous winners, Samaira Iqbal and Tristan Thompson, about why embracing creativity is so important for them.
Given this year’s Young Presenters competition involves applicants submitting a short film on the topic of Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week theme of Know Yourself, Grow Yourself, let’s find out how Samaira and Tristan have done just that.
BAFTA: What does being a BAFTA Young Presenter mean to you?
Samaira Iqbal: Being a BAFTA Young Presenter has been a life-changing experience. It’s given me the chance to connect with a range of inspiring creatives and gain invaluable insights into the industry. From meeting Lady Gaga to interviewing Dame Judi Dench, I’ve had experiences I never imagined possible, and I’m very grateful to BAFTA for opening these doors. What makes it even more meaningful is being able to represent the South Asian, Muslim, Neurodivergent, CODA (Children of Deaf Adults) communities, which is something I hold very close to my heart.
Tristan Thompson: So much! The events and interviews I do with BAFTA are always super special and fun. Before I entered the competition, I would have never guessed that I would have been hosting events and interviews with the incredible BAFTA! I’ve had so many unforgettable experiences as a Young Presenter so far, and BAFTA will now always be a part of me.
B: How do you think you’ve grown since winning Young Presenter?
SI: Over the last four years, working with BAFTA has been an incredible journey of personal and professional growth. I’ve learned the art of adaptability through various different presenting experiences – from online interviews during Covid-19 to in-person interviews, live Q+As, press junkets and even the adrenaline rush of red carpet interviews. Each experience has pushed me out of my comfort zone and developed my confidence as a presenter.
TT: I’ve learned so much from the industry professionals I’ve met and become more comfortable improvising on stage/during interviews – this is definitely something I’ve learned from the previous winners. My enthusiasm has grown, if that is even possible, in trying new things and putting myself out there, knowing the experience which I have/am gaining is helping so much. Also, thanks to BAFTA, I do believe that anything is possible, and you really don’t know what you could be doing next week; so be ready and open for everything!