EXCLUSIVE: Film4 director Farhana Bhula has been appointed to the board of the UK’s National Film and Television School (NFTS).
Bhula’s priorities on the board will include ‘strengthening pathways for emerging filmmakers into the industry, encouraging closer collaboration and ensuring the NFTS continues to adapt to the ever-evolving needs of the screen industry’, according to an NFTS statement.
She joins the board alongside industry figures including Andrew Macdonald, co-founder of DNA Films; Charlotte Moore, CEO Left Bank Pictures & EVP at Sony Pictures Television; Kate Phillips, BBC chief content officer; Julian Bellamy, MD of ITV Studios; Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO Sky Studios and chief content officer at Sky; and Scott Forrest, chief publishing officer at EA.
“I look forward to working with the board and the school’s leadership to strengthen industry collaborations that will support emerging filmmakers entering the industry and to ensure the school and students are supported in a rapidly evolving landscape,” said Bhula.
Bhula was officially appointed as director of Film4 earlier this month, having held the post on an interim basis since July following the departure of Ollie Madden to become director of UK film at Netflix. She will also be speaking at the Screen Summit on Tuesday, September 30, on a panel alongside BFI Filmmaking Fund director Mia Bays and BBC Film director Eva Yates.
Bhula joined Film4 in January 2022 from the BFI, where she was senior development and production executive. She previously held posts at Wildgaze Films and Endor Productions.
Alongside her commissioning work, Bhula led the creation of the high-budget Future Takes shorts programme, now in its second edition.
“Farhana’s recent appointment as director of Film4, combined with her proven skill for developing and nurturing emerging talent, makes her a hugely welcome addition to the NFTS board of governors,” said Sophie Turner Laing, NFTS chair. “At a time when the creative industries are transforming so rapidly, her insight, creativity and commitment to diversity will be invaluable in strengthening our links with the wider sector.”