The NFTS is saddened by the news that our President and Patron Lord Richard Attenborough Kt CBE- one of Britain's greatest screen legends - passed away on Sunday. His contribution to the School for over 40 years was immense.
A multi-award-winning actor, whose 70 films include Brighton Rock and The Great Escape, and an acclaimed film director, winning two Academy awards for Gandhi in 1982 (the film went on to win eight in total), 'Dickie' Attenborough was also deeply committed to developing the talent of young film-makers.
He was the NFTS’ only President and was involved in every aspect of the school from presenting our annual Graduation Ceremony to helping raise funds.
Hollywood Director Steven Spielberg, actors Sir Ben Kingsley and Sir Michael Caine, Lord David Puttnam, former Prime Minister Sir John Major (1990-1997), Chelsea Vice Captain Frank Lampard and his son Director Michael Attenborough were among those who paid tribute to Lord Attenborough at the NFTS’ Gala, last year, held in his honour with his family’s support.
Named after his famous catchphrase, the ‘Entirely Up To You, Darling’ Gala celebrated Lord Attenborough’s life and contribution to the British film industry. Hosted by Stephen Fry, it raised £300,000 and launched the new Lord Attenborough NFTS Charitable Fund, which aims to raise £1m over two years to enable talented young people to achieve their ambition as successful filmmakers through world class educational experiences.
Nik Powell, NFTS Director, who knew Lord Attenborough as NFTS President, BAFTA President and as Chair of the British Screen Advisory Council, said: “He was a unique force of nature, passionate and with a deep humanity that showed in the films and the parts he played, as well as the huge contribution he made to the industry and education, especially at the NFTS.
“He believed deeply that education was one of the biggest forces for change for the good of society. We are very grateful for his, and his family’s, tremendous support for the NFTS. The funds he has helped raise have enabled the most talented young film-makers to study here, no matter what their economic background.
“Lord Attenborough’s legacy is evident in the bricks and mortar of our new teaching building, the diversity of our students and in the growing success of the British film industry."
WATCH A BEAUTIFUL FILM TRIBUTE TO LORD ATTENBOROUGH HERE FROM OUR 2013 GALA 'ENTIRELY UP TO YOU, DARLING'HERE
