BAFTA in Hong Kong Announces New Scholarships; Sir Run Run Shaw to Receive Special Award

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), during the first ever week of BAFTA events in Hong Kong, has today announced new scholarships for UK nationals and Hong Kong residents, and the presentation of a BAFTA Special Award to cinema legend Sir Run Run Shaw CBE.

The BAFTA Scholarship Programme in Hong Kong is the latest addition to BAFTA's established scholarship programmes in the UK and the US for those in need of financial assistance, and is designed to support UK-Asia cross-cultural exchange. A minimum of four scholarships will be available: Two to UK nationals to study a postgraduate course in film, television or games in Hong Kong; each scholarship will provide up to £10,000 towards one year's course fees, a £10,000 bursary for living expenses, the support of an industry mentor, and free access to BAFTA events. Applications are now open on the Hong Kong Scholarships application page . A further two scholarships will be available for permanent residents of Hong Kong to study at an industry-recognised UK institution; the students will receive the same benefits as UK scholarship recipients, but with up to £20,000 towards one year's course fees. Applications will open in spring 2014, and Hong Kong residents can register their interest now, also on the Hong Kong Scholarships application page .

On the same day as announcing the support for industry newcomers, BAFTA will present a Special Award to Sir Run Run Shaw CBE, founder of the globally recognised Shaw Studios, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cinema. The Shaw Brothers produced over 1,000 films, acquired and developed cinemas around the world, and invested in a number of co-productions, most notably the classic Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott. Darren Shaw, great nephew of Sir Run Run, will collect the award on his behalf at an Academy Circle event for local supporters of BAFTA's charitable mission in Asia, at The Peninsula Hong Kong this evening.

It will be a historic moment for BAFTA: At 106 years old, Sir Run Run Shaw will become the oldest recipient of a BAFTA award, and it will also be The First Time a Special Award has been presented in Asia.

Amanda Berry, CEO of BAFTA, said: "We are excited to be expanding our successful scholarship programme to Hong Kong residents, and to be giving UK nationals the chance to learn from their colleagues in Asia. It is wonderful that, at a time when we are supporting the future of our industries through cross-cultural collaboration, we can also celebrate our historic links with the region through Sir Run Run Shaw, whose own generous donation in the late 1970s helped BAFTA grow into the organisation it is today. At the time BAFTA paid tribute to his generosity by naming a theatre at our London headquarters in his honour, which still bears his name."

A BAFTA Hong Kong Advisory Board, whose members are Jonathan Caplan QC (Chair), Claire Breen Melwani, Kevin Burke, Peter Chan, Shu Kei, Duncan Kenworthy OBE, Levina Li-Cadman, Peter Loehr, John McLellan, Sandra Ng, William Pfeiffer, Darren Shaw, Nansun Shi, Yat Siu, Fred Wang and Katherine Yip, will advise on a range of activity to encourage greater UK-Asia collaboration between the film, television and games industries and practitioners.

Supporting this activity are BAFTA partners The Peninsula Hong Kong, Champagne Taittinger, British Airways, Berry Bros. & Rudd and KEE Club, and a number of individual donors.

For more information about BAFTA's historic links with Hong Kong, its activity in and its future plans for the region, visit the BAFTA in Hong Kong page .

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BAFTA events in Hong Kong - at a glance

Sunday 1 December
*Screening of BAFTA-nominated short films and animations
Clockenflap, Hong Kong's Music & Arts Festival (Film Tent, West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade)

Monday 2 December
*First meeting of the BAFTA Hong Kong Advisory Board

Tuesday 3 December
*Announcement of BAFTA Scholarship Programme in Hong Kong
(The Peninsula Hong Kong)
*Academy Circle with Eddie Redmayne
(The Peninsula Hong Kong)
*Presentation of Special Award to Sir Run Run Shaw CBE
(The Peninsula Hong Kong)

Wednesday 4 December
*Acting masterclass with Eddie Redmayne
(The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts)

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