Akinola Davies, Director & Co-Writer, BAFTA Breakthrough UK participant for 2025-2026, photographed by Zainab Albeque. (Image ©BAFTA/Zainab Albeque, 2025).
BREAKING NEWS: The British Academy has just announced the 2025 BAFTA Breakthrough U.K. cohort, spotlighting 20 emerging creatives in film, television, and gaming. Among the standout names is Akinola Davies Jr., whose directorial debut, “My Father’s Shadow,” has garnered significant attention, including a special mention from the Un Certain Regard jury at Cannes.
This announcement is pivotal as Davies’ film is not only representing the U.K. at the Oscars but also leads the nominations at this weekend’s British Independent Film Awards. His inclusion in the BAFTA Breakthrough program, supported by Netflix since 2019, provides him with essential resources to elevate his career to the next level.
The BAFTA Breakthrough initiative offers selected talents year-round support, including one-on-one mentorship, career guidance, and exclusive access to BAFTA’s industry networking events. This program aims to propel creatives who are on the cusp of a breakthrough, making this announcement particularly exciting for those following U.K. cinema.
“It is an absolute pleasure to welcome this year’s outstanding participants of BAFTA Breakthrough,” stated Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA. Her remarks underscore the importance of this initiative in helping talents navigate the complexities of the screen arts.
The full list of the 2025 cohort includes diverse talents, such as:
– Alderney Middleton – series producer (“Maddie + Triggs”)
– Cara Ellison – writer/narrative designer (“Ghost Town”)
– Ellis Howard – performer (“What It Feels Like for a Girl”)
– Jodie-Simone Howe – costume designer (“Mr Loverman”)
– Kyle Banks – director (“Farewell North”)
– Laura Carreira – director/writer (“On Falling”)
The program has already seen over 330 individuals benefit from its resources, including well-known figures like Letitia Wright and Jessie Buckley. This year’s cohort continues to highlight the rich diversity and talent emerging from the U.K. creative landscape.
Looking ahead, the BAFTA North America branch is set to announce the Breakthrough U.S. talent in December, further expanding the initiative’s reach and impact. With these developments, all eyes are on the British Independent Film Awards this weekend, where Davies and his peers will compete for recognition that could shape their futures.
This is a moment of celebration and anticipation for the creatives involved, as the industry buzzes with excitement over new talent that could redefine the cinematic landscape. Stay tuned for updates as the awards unfold and these promising filmmakers take the next steps in their careers.
