Netflix has announced the 10 aspiring filmmaking teams from across the U.K. that it will fund via its inaugural Documentary Talent Fund.
The fund was launched in December 2020 to identify and support emerging documentary filmmakers from the U.K.
The ten teams will receive up to £40,000 ($56,650) in financing to create their own documentary short film between 8-12 minutes long, following the brief: “Britain’s Not Boring And Here’s a Story.”
Shortlisted 21 filmmaking pitched to Netflix on May 21. The winning teams were selected by a judging panel that included cultural strategist Akua Agyemfra, entrepreneur Jamal Edwards, producer/directors Joanna Natasegara and Lindsey Dryden, Jonny Taylor, original documentaries commissioning at Netflix), Kate Townsend, director of original documentaries commissioning at Netflix), director/cinematographer Kirsten Johnson and Shanida Scotland, head of film at Doc Society).
The ten films explore compelling topics of identity, community, self-belief, empowerment, disability, gender diversity, and inclusion, with the wider aim of elevating under-represented stories and voices.
The recipients include:
Beya Kabelu, “The Detective & The Thief”; Daisy Ifama, “Twinkleberry”; Dhivya Kate Chetty, “Bee Whisperer”; Jakob Lancaster and Sorcha Bacon, “Seal In The City”; Jason Osborne and Precious Mahaga, “Love Languages”; Ngaio Anyia and Aodh Breathnach, “Tegan”; Sean Mullan and Michael Barwise, “HYFIN”; Shiva Raichandani and Shane ShayShay Konno, “Peach Paradise”; Tavie Tiffany Agama, “Women Of The Market”; and Tobi Kyeremateng and Tania Nwachukwu, “ÓWÀMBÈ.”
The filmmakers will be supported by a mentorship program, with Netflix and WDW Entertainment providing access to a network of industry figures. Each team will also be equipped with COVID-19 guidance.
The final documentary films will be delivered in January 2022, and will be showcased at a screening event. They will find a home on Netflix U.K.’s social channels, with the potential for further development in the future. Each team will own and retain their own copyright throughout the process.
Kate Townsend, director, original documentaries at Netflix, said: “We were so impressed with the richness of applications received and the originality demonstrated across the board, and want to extend our congratulations to this year’s deserved winning teams. It’s such an exciting glimpse into the future talent of U.K. documentarians and we look forward to collaborating together to empower each team to fulfil the potential of documentary filmmaking.”
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