Launching a two-year partnership between BAFTA and dunhill, the two brands have come together in support of the next wave of creative talent in documentary and specialist factual television and feature films. Through the BAFTA Elevate programme, 20 exceptional mid-senior level producers, directors, and producer-directors from underrepresented backgrounds will embark on a journey of professional growth and development. The initiative offers tailored support, including networking opportunities, masterclasses, workshops, and panel discussions designed to elevate their careers and break down barriers to greater representation behind the camera.

This collaboration between BAFTA and dunhill underscores the House’s longstanding commitment to fostering creativity and innovation within both the film and fashion industries. By providing these emerging talents with invaluable industry exposure and access to key networks, BAFTA Elevate creates pathways for greater representation in a space that has long lacked a sophisticated approach to diverse voices.

This year, the BAFTA Elevate programme shines a spotlight on a remarkable group of 20 changemakers—producers, directors, and producer-directors—who are already making waves in the documentary and specialist factual fields. Each of these individuals has been selected for their talent, vision, and potential to impact the future of the industry. Their participation in the programme will empower them with the resources and mentorship needed to fast-track their careers and build lasting, meaningful connections in the industry.

The 2025 cohort is made up of the following exceptional creatives: Ahmed Peerbux, Ali Naushahi, Ayse Toprak, Cara Bowen, Dhivya Kate Chetty, Eddie Hutton-Mills, Georgina Yukiko Donovan, Janette Hodds, Jemma Gander, Laura Gilbert, Liana Stewart, Margareta Szabo, Nacressa Jane Swan, Poppy Jay, Rajesh Thind, Roxy Rezvany, Sarah Helen Conner, Stephanie Wessell, Thomas Macnab, Vanessa Van-Yeboah.

A Celebration at The dunhill Film Makers Dinner

The journey for this year's cohort begins in celebration at the prestigious dunhill x BAFTA Film Makers Dinner. This annual fixture in the awards season social calendar is hosted by our Creative Director, Simon Holloway, in the exclusive Club at our very own iconic boutique Bourdon House.

This event not only honours the established talent of the British film industry with Pierce Brosnan, Sheila Atim, Regé-Jean Page and Henry Golding in attendance - but also provides an exclusive platform to spotlight a new wave of creatives. The evening serves as a key networking opportunity, breaking down barriers within the industry and helping to forge essential connections that will support the Elevate cohort throughout their professional development.

Guiding Talent with Expertise

Throughout the two-year programme, participants will be guided by a network of industry experts who serve as mentors and consultants. These seasoned professionals are also champions of inclusion and diversity, ensuring that the cohort is equipped with the tools and insights needed to succeed in a challenging industry.

The consultants for the 2025 edition of BAFTA Elevate include Harjeet Chhokar, Unscripted Development Executive, Amazon MGM Studios, Milène Larsson, Executive Producer, BBC Eye, Natasha Dack Ojumu, Co-Founder, Tigerlily Productions, Pat Younge, Founder, Skin In The Game Studios, and Shaminder Nahal, Head of Specialist Factual, Channel 4.

A Legacy Of Inclusivity

BAFTA Elevate, now in its fifth year, continues to make an impact by providing underrepresented talent with the mentorship, resources, and industry exposure they need to become elite. To date, the programme has supported 74 emerging creatives, many of whom have gone on to significant success in the film and television industries.

As the partnership between BAFTA and dunhill continues to evolve, BAFTA Elevate remains committed to shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and sophisticated future for documentary and specialist factual film.