Seven Columbia Filmmakers Selected for BAFTA's Newcomers Program

By
Felix Van Kann
October 13, 2020

The British Academy of Film and Television (BAFTA) has announced the newest roster of its Newcomers program with an impressive showing of Columbia filmmakers. Seven Columbia alumni and students have been added to the prestigious list of this four-year new talent initiative that recognizes and supports international filmmakers who have recently moved to Los Angeles or New York to further their development and career. 

Alumni Federica Belletti '18 and Alies Sluiter '20 as well as students Cecilia OteroStephanie FalkeisJade Edwards and Hazel McKibbin make up six of the ten new BAFTA members in the New York Newcomers section. Alumna Thais Drassinower '18 has been named to the Los Angeles Newcomers list where she joins alumna Claire Fowler ’11 who is going into her second year in the program. 

The Newcomers Program has only extended to include filmmakers from New York for the first time this year. The group will be served by digital events along with the Los Angeles based Newcomers and additional New York-based events in 2021.

Since the program’s launch in 2007, the initiative has recognized the long and fruitful legacy of UK talents moving to the US to develop their knowledge, skills, and network of peers. The program recently expanded to include international representation to further deliver BAFTA's mission to promote cultural exchange and strengthen global collaboration.