UPDATE: The British Academy has just announced the 2025 BAFTA Breakthrough U.K. cohort, spotlighting 20 emerging talents in film, television, and gaming. Among them is Akinola Davies Jr., whose directorial debut, “My Father’s Shadow,” made waves at Cannes and received a special mention from the Un Certain Regard jury.
This recognition comes as “My Father’s Shadow” has been selected to represent the U.K. at the Oscars and leads nominations for this weekend’s British Independent Film Awards. The BAFTA Breakthrough initiative, supported by Netflix since 2019, aims to propel creatives at pivotal moments in their careers, offering mentorship, industry access, and voting membership.
Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It is an absolute pleasure to welcome this year’s outstanding participants of BAFTA Breakthrough.” She highlighted the program’s role in helping creatives navigate the complexities of the screen arts.
The selected participants will receive invaluable resources, including one-on-one meetings, career guidance, and access to BAFTA’s extensive networking events throughout the year. The program has previously supported over 330 individuals, including notable alumni such as Letitia Wright and Jessie Buckley.
The full list of the 2025 BAFTA Breakthrough U.K. cohort includes:
– Akinola Davies Jr. – director/co-writer (“My Father’s Shadow”)
– Alderney Middleton – series producer (“Maddie + Triggs”)
– Cara Ellison – writer/narrative designer (“Ghost Town”)
– Ellis Howard – performer (“What It Feels Like for a Girl”)
– Jodie-Simone Howe – costume designer (“Mr Loverman”)
– Kyle Banks – director (“Farewell North”)
– Laura Carreira – director/writer (“On Falling”)
– Marie-Elena Dyche – producer (“Harvest”)
– Mark Choi – composer (“Empire of the Ants”)
– Matthew Gurney – performer (“Reunion”)
– Megumi Inman – co-director/producer (“Atomic People”)
– Nathalie Pitters – director of photography (“Brian and Maggie”)
– Nathaniel Price – writer/associate producer (“Mr Loverman”)
– Olaide Sadiq – director (“Grenfell: Uncovered”)
– Owen Tooth – director (“EastEnders”)
– Pinny Grylls – director/writer/editor (“Grand Theft Hamlet”)
– Sally Beaumont – lead voice actor/script consultant (“Old Skies”)
– Stanley Baxton – solo developer (“LATEX, LEATHER, LIPSTICK, LOVE, LUST”)
– Stephanie Taylor – composer (“The Search For Nicola Bulley”)
– Vivian Eguridu – series casting producer (“Love is Blind UK” series 1)
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Oscars and the British Independent Film Awards, the spotlight shines on Akinola Davies Jr. and his fellow cohort members. Stay tuned for further updates on their journeys and contributions to the creative landscape.
