The BAFTA Elevate programme has long provided a distinguishable opportunity for creatives from underrepresented backgrounds to further their careers within the screen industries. This year, BAFTA in partnership with dunhill have selected 20 screen practitioners within the factual and documentary space to receive support and mentorship as they accelerate their creative track record.
This year’s selection boasts incredible talent and individuals behind numerous loved shows and documentaries such as ‘Mo Gilligan: Black, British & Funny ‘, ’Queens of Rap’ and even ‘Sprint’. Through shifting towards a focus on factual entertainment, this opportunity offers a reignited hope in more stories that feel representative and authentic to our diverse communities and experiences. Not only will this benefit future generation of storytellers but also address the long standing disparity of decision-makers from low socio-economic backgrounds or who identify as minority ethnic or disabled.
BAFTA Elevate consultant Harjeet Chhokar, Amazon MGM Studios, Unscripted Development Executive, echoes this sentiment: “Documentary and specialist factual thrive on authenticity and uncovering untold stories. This is why it's especially important to boost underrepresented voices in this area of the industry who can bring fresh perspectives and challenge how we see the world. This year's cohort is truly exceptional—they've already achieved so much and have so much more to say. I'm thrilled to be working with them over the next two years as a BAFTA Elevate consultant, and to watch their journeys from here.”
BAFTA Elevate participants will receive a tailored programme of support that includes networking opportunities, masterclasses, workshops and panel discussions. Industry introductions are also a vital component of the initiative which kickstarted at the dunhill Film Makers Dinner in celebration of BAFTA Elevate on 11th February 2025.
Meet the 20 creatives taking part in the fifth edition of BAFTA elevate, in alphabetical order:
About BAFTA
BAFTA’s mission as a charity is to champion the creative and cultural importance of the screen arts across film, games and television. Through its Awards ceremonies and year-round programme of talent initiatives and learning events that include masterclasses, lectures, scholarships, bursaries and mentoring schemes in the UK and North America, BAFTA identifies and celebrates excellence, discovers, inspires and nurtures new screen talent, and enables learning and creative collaboration.
For more, visit www.bafta.org. BAFTA is a registered charity (no. 216726).
About dunhill
Synonymous with craftsmanship and design, dunhill is the foremost British men’s luxury House with a history spanning over 130 years. A trusted destination of elevation, classicism and hedonism, dunhill offers a full lifestyle proposition, from refined tailoring and ready-to-wear, to elevated leather goods, exquisite gifting and hard luxury pieces.
Leveraging a unique heritage and rich archive, dunhill ensures uncompromising quality that endures time and trends – echoing the pioneering spirit of founder, Alfred Dunhill. Innovation and
contemporaneity have always been integral to the House – from its inception in 1893 to the present day and beyond.
Attention to detail, excellence, functionality, and a personalised approach epitomises the House.
Britishness defines us – English style sets us apart.
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