Ncuti Gatwa, Asif Kapadia, Terri White to judge BMW, BFI U.K. Filmmaking Competition – Global Bulletin

COMPETITION

Actor Ncuti Gatwa ("Sex Education", the next "Doctor Who"), the filmmaker Asif Kapadia ("Amy") and journalist-turned-screenwriter Terri White, whose memoir "Coming Undone" is being adapted for Netflix, will serve as judges for the BMW Filmmaking Challenge. The competition is the result of a partnership between BMW and the BFI which aims to support aspiring British filmmakers and discover new perspectives in the film industry.

The initiative was launched earlier this year by BAFTA winner Michaela Coel ("I May Destroy You"). The BFI shortlisted five teams from some 400 applications, awarding each a production budget of £10,000 ($12,430), access to 8K camera equipment and mentorship from Coel. Inspired by the all-electric BMW i7 and its ultra-wide 31.3-inch cinema screen for rear passengers, the challenge is designed to artistically stretch filmmakers and bring their stories to life in 90 seconds under the theme Evolving Perspectives.

Films are now in production, judging will take place in September, with the winning short film premiering at the closing night of the 67th BFI London Film Festival in October as part of the closing gala.

Gatwa said, "I was drawn to this project because the short film is the trajectory allowing emerging voices to flourish, it's an exciting time for the genre. Kapadia said, "Continuing to build a body of work that demonstrates your abilities as a filmmaker and making connections with the industry is the key to success, which is why I wanted to be involved in this project."

COMMISSION

Following the success of the gay dating show "I Kissed a Boy", BBC Three commissioned “I Kissed A Girl,” which will be produced by ITV Studios’ Twofour and hosted by pop star and LGBTQ+ ally Dannii Minogue. In the 10-part series, 10 single girls are paired up and meet for the first time with a kiss Before they arrive, the girls are matched based on what they are looking for in a partner.

Casting is It is commissioned by Fiona Campbell, Young Audience Controller, BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, head of entertainment and factual events, Catherine Catton and editor is Max Gogarty. Executive producers are Louise Hutchinson, David Brindley and Dan Gray.