Streatham film producer selected to take part in BFI BAFTA Crew programme

A producer’s talents for film and theatre has been recognised by a charity, writes Melissa Kasule.

Abiola Rufai-Awojide, from Streatham, was selected to take part in the British Film Institute, BFI NETWORK x BAFTA Crew programme.

Funded by the National Lottery, the programme sees that 16 emerging film-makers from under-represented groups are mentored by senior figures from the industry, as they put together their first feature or major broadcast/online commission.

The British-Nigerian has previously worked on short projects, Closure and No More Wings by Abraham Adeyemi and Channel 4 short film Motherhood by Anna Fearon.

Miss Rufai-Awojide said: “I’m really excited to be a part of BAFTA Crew this year. I’ve heard loads of great things about the programme and there are lots of amazing talents that have been a part of it.

“I’ve always had an interest in screen and stage. I didn’t always know where I fit in that, in terms of career, but I’ve always studied things like media at college. I went to Brunel University to do broadcast as well, just to find my feet because for a very long time I didn’t think I could actually be the person behind the scenes making the films that I love.

“I’ve had a long transition since then collaborating a lot with my creative peers, making lots of shorts with no money, working with broadcasters and other film organisations – and just worked my way up.

“I’ve always wanted to be a part of stories or tell stories that reflect where I’m from whether that is at a micro-level or on a Nigerian level.

“It’s exciting when you get to tell stories that are set in worlds that you are familiar with, especially when you don’t see them on screen as much.”

Miss Rufai-Awojide has since worked as an off-screen talent co-ordinator at Channel 4 and now has the task of scouting for new rising talents in film and television across the county at the BFI.

She said: “There are definitely not enough black women in the industry and in decision-making roles, not enough black female producers. I’ve been fortunate enough to stumble upon the few of them, and they all have been really helpful and guided my career into this point and hopefully beyond.”