Latest news with #BAFA
Time of India
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
SRFTI alumnus only Indian among 24 emerging Asian filmmakers at Busan
A file photo of Arnab Laha KOLKATA: Arnab Laha has been officially selected as one of the 24 emerging filmmakers from across Asia, out of 40 countries, and will attend the prestigious Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). The alumnus of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) is the only talent from India to be selected for the festival's prestigious educational programme called CHANEL X BIFF Asian Film Academy. Laha was selected among eight cinematographers from all over Asia and will be shooting one short film that will be screened at BIFF. The intensive 20-day programme will run from Sept 7 to Sept 26. For cine enthusiasts in Kolkata, BIFF is recognised as Asia's largest and most influential film festival and is regarded as one of the six top festivals in the world, alongside Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Rotterdam, and Toronto. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata This highly competitive fellowship programme is a platform for talented filmmakers to receive mentorship from global industry leaders, collaborate across cultures, and premiere their work on the international stage. The other fellows are from Iran, China, Nepal, Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Krygyzstan, Lebanon and Pakistan. According to Laha, this selection is a big step forward since it will allow him to deeply understand how filmmakers in South Korea operate—especially in the post-Bong Joon-ho era, when global storytelling standards have risen. 'I'll get to interact with experts, connect with renowned South Asian filmmakers, and gain insights into the Asian film market. This exposure will directly influence my next feature, as I aim to raise the bar for Bengali cinema to meet international standards. As part of BAFA, I'm attending the 'Bridge to Hollywood' workshop with the Motion Picture Association. It offers mentorship from a Hollywood producer and a pitching competition, with a chance to attend film events in the US and Australia,' Laha said. The fellowship will give Laha a 'chance to co-create'. He will be collaborating with an Iranian director to make a five-to-seven-minute short film for an international audience. 'It will premiere at BIFF, giving me a strong platform for global circulation and cultural exchange through cinema,' Laha added. Laha's journey began at St. Xavier's College with a foundation in multimedia and animation before he joined SRFTI's cinematography department. A landmark in his career was serving as the cinematographer for 'The Horse from Heaven', India's official entry to the 95th Academy Awards, Oscars in the Best Live Action Short Film category. His filmography includes 'The Strange Life of Dhrubo' (2025), 'Academy of Fine Arts' (2025), 'Colored Sweets' (2024), 'Horse From Heaven' (2022), and 'Termites' (2021). His cinematography in 'The Strange Life of Dhrubo', which won the Best Film award in the Bengali Panorama segment of KIFF, was lauded by many. Laha thanked his exposure and training at St. Xavier's and SRFTI for shaping him as a multi-disciplinary artist. 'Both institutions shaped me deeply. St Xavier's nurtured my roots in painting and graphic design, and being a topper there gave me the confidence and mentorship to pursue any creative direction. SRFTI provided rigorous training, a treasure of cinema books, and access to great minds like Anil Mehta, Anurag Kashyap, Aditya Vikram Sengupta, and Sudeep Chatterjee. Together, they helped me grow as a holistic artist, not just a technician,' he said.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Community performers sought for African arts gala
A call-out has been issued for young performers to take part in a summer festival in Bradford which celebrates the arts and culture of the city's African populations. The second BAFA (Bradford African Festival of Arts) will be held in August, centred on the theme of "ubuntu" - a Zulu word meaning "of the people" or "unity". Judith Dlamini, who is part of the festival team, said the idea was "to bring Africa here" but to also encourage people to work together to support those from all communities who may need help. "This is a place where we can just express ourselves and invite lots of people so that they can come and belong," she said. The festival, to be held at several city centre venues between 13 and 16 August, will include a children's theatre performance and a Zulu dance. Organisers have urged children aged six to sixteen who are interested in singing, dancing, acting or cultural displays to get in touch. "It is to express our culture and then teach our children as well," Ms Dlamini said. Festival director and founder Dr Olushola Kolawole said this year's 4-day event would be expanded from last year's inaugural 2-day showcase, and around 4,000 people are expected to attend. BAFA is part of Bradford's 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations and aims to reflect the city's growing African communities, including newcomers from Zimbabwe, Botswana and beyond. It will feature food, music, dance and storytelling from a range of African countries. Ms Dlamini stressed the festival was both a celebration and a response to a need felt by many in the community who may be newer arrivals to the city. "We can work together… we who have been in this country for many years, [and] we can welcome them so that they don't feel lonely," she said. "It is difficult when you have just moved. We want to help to make Bradford feel like home for people, because it has been home for us for many years. So we want those that are joining us here as well to feel at home." Young performers and community groups interested in taking part are encouraged to contact organisers via the Bradford African Festival website. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. Culture group hopes £280k revamp will boost footfall Reclaiming the story of Bradford's 1904 Somali village
BBC News
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bradford African Festival of Arts looking for young performers
A call-out has been issued for young performers to take part in a summer festival in Bradford which celebrates the arts and culture of the city's African second BAFA (Bradford African Festival of Arts) will be held in August, centred on the theme of "owantu" - a Zulu word meaning "of the people" or "unity".Organiser Judith Dlamini said the idea was "to bring Africa here" but to also encourage people to work together to support those from all communities who may need help."This is a place where we can just express ourselves and invite lots of people so that they can come and belong," she said. The festival, to be held at several city centre venues between 13 and 16 August, will include a children's theatre performance and a Zulu have urged children aged six to sixteen who are interested in singing, dancing, acting or cultural displays to get in touch."It is to express our culture and then teach our children as well," Ms Dlamini explained the festival was part of Bradford's 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations and aimed to reflect the city's growing African communities, including newcomers from Zimbabwe, Botswana and will feature food, music, dance and storytelling from a range of African countries. Ms Dlamini stressed the festival was both a celebration and a response to a need felt by many in the community who may be newer arrivals to the city."We can work together… we who have been in this country for many years, [and] we can welcome them so that they don't feel lonely," she said."It is difficult when you have just moved. We want to help to make Bradford feel like home for people, because it has been home for us for many years. So we want those that are joining us here as well to feel at home."Young performers and community groups interested in taking part are encouraged to contact organisers via the Bradford African Festival website. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Colchester Gladiators appeal for referee for next home game
Referee - The Colchester Gladiators are in need of a referee Picture: JOHN SINGER A GAME of American football is at risk unless a Colchester team finds a referee. The Colchester Gladiators American Football Club are facing the East Kent Mavericks on June 22. However, the key home tie is at risk, as there are currently no referees for the game. Advertisement In a statement, the club said: 'The Colchester Gladiators have been informed by the league that we won't be supplied any BAFRA referees for our home game against the East Kent Mavericks on June 22. 'We urgently need any level one qualified BAFA coaches to assist us in providing a safe and fair game day experience. 'If you can assist, please contact the club for further details.' Referees need to be BAFA-qualified level one coaches. Anyone who can help should contact the football club on social media or email chairman@
Korea Herald
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Chanel X BIFF Asian Film Academy opens applications
Film training program seeks 24 emerging Asian filmmakers for collaboration during Busan International Film Festival Applications are now open for the 2025 Chanel X BIFF Asian Film Academy, a cornerstone educational program designed to nurture Asia's next generation of cinematic talent. Running Sept. 7-26, the initiative invites aspiring filmmakers from across Asia to apply before April 4. This year's program will welcome 24 participants from across Asia who will collaborate on short films slated for premieres during the 30th Busan International Film Festival. Participants will handle all aspects of filmmaking — directing, cinematography, editing, and sound design — while gaining hands-on experience through workshops, mentoring sessions, and masterclasses led by industry veterans. The academy has refined its approach after last year's success with having eight directing fellows each produce their own short films. For this year, organizers aim to streamline the team collaboration process to enhance networking opportunities and workflow efficiency. Since its founding in 2005, the Asian Film Academy has served as a springboard for 430 emerging filmmakers from 35 countries. The program got a substantial upgrade in 2022 when it was relaunched as the Chanel X BIFF Asian Film Academy. The 2025 program will unfold in three phases: Online pre-production, Aug. 4-Sept. 6, followed by the in-person academy, Sept. 7-26, and screenings that coincide with the 30th Busan International Film Festival which runs Sept. 17-26 and the 20th Asian Contents & Film Market running Sept. 20-23. Application guidelines can be found on BAFA official website. Applications close at 6 p.m., April 4. Selected applicants will be announced in mid-June.
