Bend it Like Beckham creator Gurinder Chadha, and Scrapper director Charlotte Regan, have unveiled The National Lottery “Walk of Stars” installation, to mark the start of BFI London Film Festival in the capital. The installation, in partnership with the British Film Institute, celebrates the talent behind notable funded films, as well as the rising stars of the UK film industry, who have also been supported by the charity.
Gurinder Chadha OBE is one of 10 individuals who have been honoured with a star on the “Walk of Stars”, on Southbank.
It replicates that of Hollywood Boulevard, with 10 stars displayed on Queen’s Walk in London’s Southbank, which can be visited until Thursday, October 5.
Other recipients recognised for their contributions to such funded projects include actors Hayley Squires (I, Daniel Blake, directed by Ken Loach), Sophie Okonedo CBE (Wild Rose, directed by Tom Harper), and David Jonsson (Rye Lane, directed by Raine Allen-Miller).
National Lottery players raise around £30 million every week for good causes across the UK.
And their contribution to the UK film industry includes having funded the making of more than 600 films in the past 26 years – which have won 504 awards, including 16 Oscars, 124 BAFTAs, and 33 Cannes awards, from more than 1,868 nominations.
Gurinder Chadha, director of “Bend it Like Beckham”, said: “Film has the unique power to bridge cultures, evoke emotions, and tell stories that resonate with people from all walks of life.
“The support has been instrumental in bringing these stories to the forefront, and ensuring that diverse voices in the film industry have the opportunity to shine.
“This recognition serves as a reminder of the immense impact cinema can have on society – and an example of that is the increased awareness of women’s football following Bend It Like Beckham.”
Beyond acknowledging the established luminaries of the film industry, the “Walk of Stars” also spotlights five rising stars in the industry, whose funded projects are looking to break boundaries and change the shape of British film.
These emerging stars include filmmakers Greta McMillan and Mdhamiri á Nkemi, film writers Eden Quine-Taylor and Ross Wilders, and upcoming producer Parker Dawes.
Emerging filmmaker Greta McMillan uses an eye gaze computer, so her eyes become her mouse and cursor – which allowed her to create multi-award-winning “Change Direction”, a short film about the climate crisis.
Mdhamiri á Nkemi, a filmmaker who received the Toledo Scholarship, has worked on films that have been BAFTA shortlisted and Academy longlisted, including a BIFA win for The Last Tree.
And Eden Quine-Taylor, whose first short film script, “Happy Ever After”, won an award at The International KidsNFilm Festival, continues her work exploring behaviour and relationships of society.
Meanwhile, Ross Wilders is a short filmmaker, who most recently directed “Plumbing the Depths of Knowledge” through the BFI Film Academy, delivered by Nerve Centre, and funded by The National Lottery.
And Parker Dawes is a rising star in the film industry, having produced an award-winning animated film in English and Gaelic, “Gàidhlig sa Chiste”, inspired by Gaelic signage.
The BFI invests roughly £45m of National Lottery funding per year to help preserve the industry’s past, and support its future.
This includes inspiring and funding the next generation of UK filmmaking talent and crew; supporting vibrant and representative stories to be told on screen; helping audiences to access a wider range of independent UK and international cinema; unlocking the UK’s film heritage, and ensuring UK film is seen and enjoyed all over the world.
A spokesman from British Film Institute said: “The “Walk of Stars” installation is a testament to the extraordinary contributions these individuals have made to the world of UK cinema.
“It’s a celebration of their talent and dedication, made possible by the continuous support of National Lottery funding.
“We are immensely proud to honour both established luminaries and emerging stars, as they inspire creativity and diversity within the industry.”
