Article by Tom Grater for Screen Daily
Bafta is to host its first event in China’s capital city in November when Spectre’s hair and makeup designer Naomi Donne will discuss her craft with MAC cosmetics at events in Hong Kong (Nov 9) and Beijing (Nov 12).
Separately, Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville is set to visit China as an ambassador for Bafta’s charitable activities across Asia.
The Downton Abbey and Paddington star will attend a fundraising dinner in Hong Kong before visiting secondary schools to meet students studying English drama. He will also take part in an in conversation event, with leading figures in the Chinese film industry and members of the general public in attendance.
Previous events hosted by Bafta in China include masterclasses with Eddie Redmayne and Johnnie To.
The announcement comes during China’s president Xi Jinping’s state visit to the UK, which is taking place Oct 20-23.
Bafta CEO Amanda Berry today presented a showcase of recent and new cultural collaborations between Chinese and British companies to Xi Jinping and the Duke of Cambridge.
The showcase was part of UKTI’s UK-China creative collaboration summit, hosted at Lancaster House.
Berry said: “The event showcased the range of creative excellence in the UK while recognising China’s significant contribution to the arts.
“HRH The Duke of Cambridge’s gift presentation to President Xi Jinping, made on our behalf, is a symbol of our commitment to strengthening ties between our countries as we announce our first-ever event in Beijing and prepare to open applications for an expansion of our scholarship programme across mainland China, which began in Hong Kong.”
As previously announced, Bafta’s scholarships programme will be expanding in 2016.
Previous Bafta scholarship recipient Wan Pin Chu, a composer from Hong Kong, performed to Xi Jinping and the Duke of Cambridge as part of today’s event.