NFTS announces return of Black British Woman Cinematographer Scholarship

The National Film and Television School (NFTS) and Netflix have marked International Women’s Day 2023 by announcing the return of the Black British Woman Cinematographer Scholarship, enabling applicants to study the National Film and Television School Cinematography Masters from January 2024.

First launched on IWD 2022, it is the second consecutive year Netflix has supported the scholarship, providing funding to support Black women filmmakers with the aim of increasing gender equality and representation behind the camera.

Applications are now open to apply for the Black British Cinematographer Scholarship Award, with the recipient joining the NFTS Cinematography MA in January 2024. Netflix will once again entirely fund the recipient’s two years on the course in addition to supporting annual living expenses.

The renowned MA is the only two-year specialist course of its kind in the UK and is highly sought after, with an intake of just 10 per year. Students receive practical training in the art and craft of cinematography, collaborating with fellow students in other specialisms across the School to make several films including live action and animation.

Upon completion, the NFTS and Netflix will work with the scholarship recipient to plan and support their next steps into the industry, putting them forward for work placements and employment opportunities on Netflix UK productions.

“True diversity in film offers us a range of perspectives, it challenges us to see familiar things differently, to tell stories in fresh ways through alternative viewpoints,” said Fiona Lamptey, director of UK features. “We are delighted to be continuing our work with the National Film and Television School this International Women’s Day to increase gender equality and representation behind the camera.”

Ndrika Anyika and Lami Okrekson were the first recipients of the Netflix Black British Woman Cinematographer Scholarship Award, beginning their studies at the NFTS in January 2023.

Here, Ndrika reflects on her experience studying the Cinematography MA to date and how the financial support offered by the Netflix scholarship has given her the freedom to pursue her passion for filmmaking:

What inspired you to train to become a Cinematographer?

Ndrika: “I felt somewhat stuck in the type of work I was doing back in Leeds. I had built up a niche for myself shooting projects for a range of artists and cultural organisations, with the occasional short film coming my way.

I often thoroughly enjoyed the work I was doing but I felt like I was unable to develop my cinematography skills and understanding of the craft. I wanted to be in an environment dedicated to learning the technical and creative elements of cinematography and I knew that the NFTS course was very practical, which I think is essential for such a hands-on craft like cinematography. I was completely sold on the course after going to an NFTS Open Day and seeing the facilities and the curriculum. Gaining confidence and mastery of skills such as shaping light in large spaces and shooting on film filled me with excitement. I knew I would never get the chance to experiment in such a way outside of a two year course like this.”

Why do you feel it is important that opportunities like these are made available to emerging talent?

Ndrika: “Cinematography can connect us to an infinite number of human experiences. I have loved being transported into the lives of numerous characters on screen. However, as a black northern woman of Nigerian heritage, I am extremely aware that there are many missing stories that still need to be told.

I think opportunities like the Netflix scholarship are so important as the film industry has historically been a rather exclusive ecosystem. I think of the lost generation of Black British talent who should have gone on to become house-hold names in the industry but couldn’t find a way in. I want to act as a visual representation for other women who want to become cinematographers.

Scholarships like this help to shift this dynamic by offering support to people who would otherwise be unable to take two years out of their lives to study full-time.”

What does it mean to you personally to receive this scholarship?

Ndrika: “Having the support of Netflix has given me the freedom to pursue my passion and allow me to focus solely on developing my craft by helping relieve the financial stresses that would negatively impact the outcome of my studies. Receiving the scholarship means I can make the most out of my time at the NFTS. My plans for the future seem more accessible and achievable and I look forward to helping  tell stories that show the vulnerability of the human experience on sets that are diverse behind the camera, as well as in front.”

To apply for the Black British Woman Cinematographer Scholarship Award you must be a UK citizen. Apply now via our Cinematography course page. If you are offered a place and are eligible, you will be invited to apply for the scholarship.

The NFTS is hosting an in person General Open Day on Saturday 25 March 2023. Come along and get inspired to join us! Register on the NFTS’ website.

Apply today for the NFTS Cinematography MA via the NFTS’ website.