The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) today announced award-winning film producer and BAFTA nominee Guneet Monga, acclaimed CEO and gaming entrepreneur Vishal Gondal and award-winning and celebrated actor Ratna Pathak Shah as industry supporters for the BAFTA Breakthrough programme, supported by Netflix. As credible experts, Monga, Gondal and Shah will offer their professional expertise to participants on the programme across film, games and television.
As industry supporters representing their respective crafts, they will help BAFTA navigate India’s diverse and creative talent pool as well as educate audiences about BAFTA’s charitable remit; increasing global opportunities for people to pursue careers in the arts. BAFTA’s Breakthrough initiative in India is authentically amplified by Monga, Gondal and Shah, inviting more talent to apply.
BAFTA Breakthrough aims to celebrate Indian talent by offering a bespoke programme of support – helping participants develop knowledge about the industry, develop their craft, address barriers to progression, and network globally with people who can influence their careers.
Guneet Monga, Founder & CEO of Sikhya Entertainment and Film Producer, the industry supporter for Film said, “India has been one of the world’s fascinating centres of storytelling, and the heritage of Indian cinema is unparalleled. As the rising talent and fresh voices long to tell their untold stories, the BAFTA Breakthrough programme aims to offer tremendous support and a global stage to this raw talent. It is an honour to be working with this ground-breaking initiative, and I look forward to worthwhile talent from the Indian film community receiving the right honing from an academy of this stature.”
Vishal Gondal, CEO and Founder of GOQii, the industry supporter representing Games said, “BAFTA Breakthrough is one of the unique worldwide art initiatives to work across films, television and games. It is truly exciting to be associated with a programme that seeks to bring together and support the raw Indian talent working in the games industry. The programme offers a prolific experience to the ‘breakthroughs’ that can enhance their career trajectory through a network and development approach. By introducing them to industry experts and offering them the opportunity to upskill themselves, the initiative gives them recognition in their respective industries, worldwide.”
Acclaimed actor Ratna Pathak Shah, industry supporter for Television said, “BAFTA Breakthrough India is a unique, ‘breakthrough’ opportunity for practitioners of the screen arts to be supported by the world-renowned organisation. I am elated to be working with a programme that will help amplify our country’s brilliant new voices and emerging talent across genres in television, and offer them learning, networking and growth opportunities on a global level.”
More about the industry supporters
Guneet Monga is an Indian film producer, a BAFTA nominee and amongst the first producers from India to be invited to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. A recent recipient of the second highest civilian honor of France – the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters – she is the founder of Sikhya Entertainment, a Mumbai based production house. In 2019, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation awarded her the prestigious Sloan Science and Film grant. The Lunchbox, Masaan, Gangs of Wasseypur, Zindagi inshort, Pagglait, What Will People Say, Soorarai Pottru, Haraamkhor, Monsoon Shootout, Zubaan, Peddlers and Oscar Winning Short Documentary – Period End of Sentence are few of the many titles from her awe inspiring filmography.
Best known as the father of the Indian gaming industry, Vishal Gondal sold his first entrepreneurial venture India Games to The Walt Disney Company. A notable angel investor, Vishal was listed among the top 50 executives in the mobile content space by the UK based ‘Mobile Entertainment’ Magazine alongside noted personalities like Steve Jobs. His passion for technology, fitness and gaming led him to his next venture, GOQii, which is focused on helping people make a change towards a healthier lifestyle.
Ratna Pathak Shah played leading parts in more than 40 plays in English, Hindustani and Gujarati. She has also directed plays and designed costumes, sets and lights for several productions by her theatre company – Motley – in Mumbai. Some of her widely acclaimed projects include comedy serials Sarabhai Vs. Sarabhai, Idhar Udhar, and movies like Love per Square foot, Heat and Dust, Mirch Masala, What If…., Kapoor & Sons, Lipstick Under My Burqa, and Thappad, among others. As part of the Core Team of the Avehi-Abacus Project, she has been involved in producing Teaching – Learning Kits for children in schools and Non-Formal Education centers.
Applications for the Breakthrough India programme close on 30 November 2021.
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