BAFTA comes to India to identify, nurture new talent

The talent hunt initiative is part of the Academy's year-round effort to support new talent

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is taking its first step into India with a talent hunt initiative that lets the Academy identify and nurture up to five talents working in film, games, or television in India.

The exercise, known as BAFTA Breakthrough initiative, is part of the Academy’s year-round effort to support new talent, operating alongside their Awards ceremonies.

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The programme has in the past supported artistes such as Tom Holland, Letitia Wright, Florence Pugh, Jessie Buckley, Josh O’Connor, and Callum Turner. Coming to India is part of BAFTA’s global expansion effort of the initiative. BAFTA Breakthrough India aims at facilitating the development of relationships between British and Indian talents.

In 2020, BAFTA will identify, celebrate, and support up to five talents working in film, games, or television in India, through this program in the country. The chosen participants will be offered a year-long support programme from BAFTA and be showcased across India and the UK.

By showcasing talent globally, BAFTA Breakthrough aims to push their careers ahead by helping them to learn more about the industry, overcome barriers to progression, and network globally with people who can influence their careers.

Under the initiative, BAFTA will work closely with local cultural bodies and industry in India to reach each sub-region and identify excellent individuals who have shown creative promise in film, games, and television.

The programme will be supported by a series of craft masterclasses, which will feature British and Indian talent sharing their expertise and insights with audiences across India and the UK.