NFTS marked IWD with launch of Black British Woman Cinematographer Scholarship Award

To mark International Women’s Day 2022, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) announced the Black British Woman Cinematographer Scholarship Award. Supported by Netflix, the scholarship will provide funding to support emerging 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 Woman Cinematographer Scholarship Award, with the first recipient joining the NFTS Cinematography MA in January 2023. Netflix will entirely fund the two year NFTS Cinematography MA in addition to supporting annual living expenses.

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.  

From lights and shadows to colours and hues, a cinematographer decides on just about every element there is to bringing images to life on the screen. The NFTS course is the only two-year specialist cinematography MA in the UK with an intake of just 10 students per year learning both the art and craft of cinematography, combining creative expression with technical expertise. 

Director of UK features at Netflix Fiona Lamptey said: “In a year where a woman has been nominated for only the first time in BAFTA’s history as Best Cinematographer and only the second time in the Academy’s, we’re only at the very start of progress. There are still too few role models that can make black women believe they can become a DP. This NFTS scholarship opportunity is just one step on a larger journey towards inclusion but we hope the support opens the door for more black women to fulfil their dream of working behind the camera.”

The NFTS is hosting an in person General Open Day on Saturday 26 March at the School’s main HQ in Beaconsfield. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to attend and will have the opportunity to meet with NFTS Cinematography heads of department, have any burning questions answered, tour the School’s state of the art facilities and enjoy Q&A’s and screenings.

Book an Open Day place here.  

To apply for the Black British Woman Cinematographer Scholarship Award you must be a UK citizen. Apply now via nfts.co.uk/cinematography. If you are offered a place and are eligible, you will be invited to apply for the scholarship.