BAFTA awards first Hong Kong scholarships

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced the names of the first ever recipients of BAFTA scholarships in Hong Kong, ahead of a series of events in October as part of its continuing outreach into Asia.

British student Tian Macleod Ji, from Oxford, has been awarded a scholarship to study Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Media at City University of Hong Kong as part of the BAFTA Scholarship Programme supported by the Yip Foundation.

In addition, Wan Pin Chu has been awarded the BAFTA Yip Foundation Scholarships, reserved for Hong Kong residents, towards the Master of Composition (MComp) in Composition for Screen at the Royal College of Music in London.

The scholarships, which are aimed at talented individuals in financial need, cover course fees and also include a bursary for expenses, mentoring support from an industry professional, and access to BAFTA events.

Hong Kong events

BAFTA will also continue its events programme in Hong Kong aims as it bids to encourage creative collaboration between the UK and Asia, bringing together individuals from the film, television and games industries to share their skills and expertise.

On Oct 9, Oscar-winning make-up artist Lois Burwell (Braveheart, Saving Private Ryan, Lincoln) will take part in two events at Duddell’s.

The first is an exclusive event for M-A-C make-up artists from across Asia, examining the looks Burwell created for three iconic films. The second is a masterclass in which she will discuss the craft of make-up design, and her work with directors such as Steven Spielberg, Mel Gibson and Brian De Palma.

On Oct 14, BAFTA- and Oscar-winning director Kevin Macdonald (One Day in September, The Last King of Scotland, Touching the Void) will speak at an intimate ‘Academy Circle’ event for local supporters of BAFTA’s mission in Asia at The Peninsula Hong Kong.

On Wednesday Oct 15, Macdonald will give a public masterclass on the craft of directing, and will also meet with emerging Hong Kong filmmakers.

Also during the visit, BAFTA will host the third meeting of its Hong Kong Advisory Board, which comprises leading industry figures from Asia and the UK.

Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA, said: “Less than a year ago, we delivered our inaugural activity in Hong Kong and set out our ambitions for future events. I am, therefore, delighted we are returning to Hong Kong for the third time and with two British talents, previously recognised by BAFTA, Lois Burwell and Kevin Macdonald, who will share their insights at events aimed at enthusiasts, career-starters and fellow professionals.

“Promoting, supporting and developing new talent is very important to BAFTA and I am delighted we have announced our first scholarship recipients in Hong Kong, Tian Macleod Ji and Wan Pin Chu. These scholarships embody our ambitions for creative collaboration and cross-cultural exchange.”