Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive of BAFTA, and Zhang Huijun, President of the Beijing Film Academy, sign the MOU at a meeting at BAFTA’s headquarters, 195 Piccadilly in London – Photo: Ricky Darko

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and leading Chinese film school the Beijing Film Academy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) confirming their intention to work together to support greater collaboration between British and Chinese film and television students, and industry professionals.

The newly formalised relationship is part of BAFTA’s ongoing programme of activity that aims to encourage creative and cultural exchange between the UK and China, bringing together talented individuals from the film, television and games industries to share their skills and expertise. Areas of cooperation between BAFTA and the Beijing Film Academy are likely to include student scholarships, research, and learning events such as masterclasses.

The agreement comes as BAFTA prepares to expand its scholarship programme – which began in Hong Kong – into mainland China, enabling Chinese and British citizens in financial need to study as an international student in the UK or China respectively. Potential applicants can register here to be informed when applications open in early 2016.

Since 2013, BAFTA has worked with partners in mainland China and Hong Kong to deliver masterclasses and international scholarships and engaging world-renowned, award-winning filmmakers, actors and craftspeople to take part, including Johnnie To, Duncan Kenworthy, Eddie Redmayne and Lois Burwell. Through such events and initiatives, BAFTA promotes a spirit of open, creative collaboration between the UK and China and encourages cross-cultural exchange.