Film4 director Farhana Bhula joins NFTS board of governors

Exclusive: Film4 Director Farhana Bhula has been appointed to the board of the UK National Film and Television Schools (NFTS).

According to an NFTS statement, Bhula’s priorities include: “Enhanced filmmakers will strengthen their pathways towards the industry and ensuring that NFTS continues to adapt to the ever-evolving needs of the screen industry.

She is on the board with industry figures, including Andrew Macdonald, co-founder of DNA Films. Charlotte Moore, CEO of Sony Pictures Television, Left Bank Pictures & EVP. Kate Phillips, BBC Chief Content Officer. Julian Bellamy, MD of ITV Studios; Sky CEO Sky Studios and Sky Chief Content Officer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. Scott Forrest, EA’s Chief Publication Officer.

“We look forward to working with the board and school leadership to strengthen industry collaborations to support emerging filmmakers entering the industry, ensuring that schools and students are supported in the rapidly evolving landscape,” Bhula said.

Bhula was officially appointed Director of Film4 earlier this month and has held the post tentatively since July after Ollie Madden, who became Director of British Films for Netflix, set out. She’ll be talking again screen The summit on Tuesday, September 30th will be on panel alongside Mia Bays, director of the BFI Filmmaking Fund and Eva Yates, BBC film director.

Bhula joined Film4 from BFI in January 2022, where she was an advanced development and production executive. She previously posted to Wildgaze Films and Endor Productions.

In addition to her commissioning work, Bhula led the creation of the budget Future Takes Shorts program in the current second edition.

Sophie Turner Lane of NFTS Chair said: “As the creative industry is changing rapidly, her commitment to insights, creativity and diversity is invaluable in strengthening connections with the broader sector.”