Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman was named ambassador for the latest Breakthrough Initiative of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) yesterday.
The composer-singer will back a new initiative to 'identify, celebrate and support up to five exceptional talents working in film, games or television in India'. According to a news report in The Hindu newspaper, the programme facilitates the development of relationships between British talent and India’s homegrown creatives.
In a statement, Rahman said, “This is a unique opportunity for promising artistes to be supported by a world-renowned organization, to not only make connections with other talented creatives across the world but to be mentored by BAFTA-winners and nominees. I am looking forward to seeing the brilliant talent chosen from India to be showcased on a global stage.”
BAFTA chief executive Amanda Berry, OBE, said, “[Rahman] is well positioned to support the initiative, with his broad spectrum of work drawing recognition across Hindi, Tamil and Telugu films, which will help BAFTA to appeal to a wide section of the industry.”
BAFTA Breakthrough India, which is now open for applications, is in partnership with Netflix. The five winners of the programme will receive year-long support from BAFTA, along with global networking opportunities. They will also have free access to BAFTA events and screenings for 12 months, and full voting BAFTA membership.
An expert jury will select the winners and the names will be announced in spring 2021.