Do you believe in the mediating power of the cinema? Do you have an idea related to films that you want to test out?
The first edition of Future Talent Programme was launched in 2020. Its objective is to provide a platform and mentorship for students and graduates to gain practical experience, as well as to testify their ideas in grassroot film diplomacy.
The organisation will support their initiatives via our opportunities, network, mentorship and resources. This programme is different from a standard internship. We are looking for individuals who have ideas and who are brave to put them into experiment. Any initiative or expertise is welcome, as long as they follow the organisation’s mission.
Selected members will also have a priority opportunity to join the organising committee of Odyssey, our annual film festival.
The UK-China Film Collab is a unique and one of its kind non-profit organisation, a formerly funded research project supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, UKRI. Our mission is to inspire and encourage film related collaboration and constructive debate between the UK, Greater China and beyond, through communication improvement, original project design, R&D, talent development and advocacy.
Who are we looking for?
You are a UK based student or recent graduate with some curiosity about China, from any disciplinary background.
You are committed to contributing (a tiny part) to world peace via your proposed project and future career. You are passionate about film, and have unique perspectives on film as art, culture, business and diplomacy. You are an unusually active researcher, who believes in the democratisation of knowledge. You are good at facilitation and recognise the importance in behind the scene cross-cultural facilitation. You value the success of a larger mission and are willing to support that mission. You have a sense of social responsibility and are ready to serve the community. You have a long-term vision about your contribution and recognise how your service will benefit the next generations.
The programme lasts for one year.
To apply for this programme, please send the following materials in English to admin@ukchinafilm.com by 30 September 2026, with an email subjected “Future Talent Programme 2026-2027”.
- CV
- A one-page statement to propose your project and to elaborate your vision on the future of UK-China film collaboration
Each year we will select no more than 8 members. Every year’s member selection will be conducted by the previous cohort.
After the programme, our members progress into different career directions. Some stay in academia to pursue a PhD, some become film critics, producers or curators; some pursue their career in a different sector, but still think of film as a mean for dialogue building.
Selected activities that we initiated, supported or organised:
Development and Production: My Indian Boyfriend: The Golden Mile
UK distribution: Four Trails
UK distribution – The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru
Our recent success stories
Amanda Curdt-Christiansen has received an AHRC funded scholarship to work on Nobel Prize-winning philosopher Bertrand Russell biopic
Lea Pan‘s feature documentary The Queens of 147 was selected as part of WIP at the Shanghai International TV Festival
Are you the next generation of film diplomat?
Looking forward to hearing from you and let’s have an adventure! Apply and you will have a wonderful journey.
