144 students from across 14 MA and Diploma courses received rapturous applause from family and tutors as they collected their graduation certificates from Guest of Honour the award-winning Director Stephen Frears (The Queen, Dirty Pretty Things, Dangerous Liaisons), Core Media Group’s MD of international content and production Simon Shaps (former ITV Director of TV & NFTS Chairman) and NFTS Director Nik Powell.
Speaking at the NFTS’ 2013 Graduation ceremony, held at the BFI Southbank, London, Nik Powell said it was an exceptional year in which a student film, Head Over Heels, had been nominated for an Academy Award and a record-breaking 8 students had walked the Oscars’ red carpet to attend the hottest awards ceremony in the world. Other student films had won an incredible number of awards and gained recognition at the industry’s most prestigious festivals. In addition, the school’s Television Entertainment department had had its 4th format optioned by TV studios and a documentary called Sodiq had been screened in the House of Commons at the request of MPs.
“I am proud to say that our students’ films not only win awards and create innovative programmes, they also make an impact on the wider world. You all deserve to graduate with honour and awards for your technical skill, creative craft and ability,” he said.
The students were also given an inspiring speech by British film Director and member of the House of Lords Baroness Beeban Kidron of Angel (Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit; Sex, Death and the Gods) who founded the charity Filmclub with Lindsey Mackie - which has since grown to be one of the largest and most influential after school clubs in the UK. The NFTS graduate was presented with an NFTS Fellowship by Stephen Frears.
Baroness Kidron OBE said: “It is a great honour to receive this fellowship from the NFTS. To have been a film, television and documentary director for over 30 years has allowed me to participate in a cultural conversation with the world. I had a fire in my belly when I arrived and a few skills to accompany it by the time I left. I did not take a straight road and I don't advise it if you are building a career - but it has never been boring. I hope that you continue the cultural conversation - making transformative films for the next generation. I wish you well and hope you make stories from all over the world for audiences all over the world.”
Nik Powell also gave thanks to the estimable contributions made to the School by Simon Shaps who is stepping down as a trustee at the end of the year, Annabelle Pangborn who steps down as Head of Post Production at the NFTS, and Hilary Thomas OBE the NFTS’ former Registrar and Director of Full Time Curriculum who has retired.
