The BAFTA awards will be handed out on 8 February in London. But the BAFTA – British Academy of Film and Television Arts – is much more than just an awards show. The independent organisation supports numerous events and talks throughout the year aimed at supporting, developing and promoting new films.
Acclaimed director Lone Scherfig has been asked to give the David Lean lecture, the most prestigious of the BAFTA talks, on 15 December. She will be the first woman ever to do so, following such prominent directors as David Lynch, Oliver Stone, Pedro Almodóvar and Robert Altman.
The aim of the David Lean lecture is to give a platform for outstanding directors to provide an insight into their experiences and creative process.
"A unique talent"
Lone Scherfig's international breakthrough was "Italian for Beginners" in 2000, the fifth official Dogme film. Her first English-language film was "Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself." 2009's "An Education" won her eight BAFTA nominations, and she gained further attention with 2011's "One Day" starring Anne Hathaway. Her latest film "The Riot Club" debuted at this year's Toronto Film Festival.
On account of the director's impressive filmography, the BAFTA invited her to give the David Lean lecture. Nik Powell, chair of the BAFTA film committee, has described Scherfig as a unique talent and a "torchbearer for women directors everywhere."
This description reflects Lone Scherfig's new project, an American television series called "Astronaut Wives Club" telling the story of the women behind some of the biggest events in American history. The 10-episode drama series is expected to go on air in the spring of 2015.
Read more about the David Lean lecture and the choice of Lone Scherfig on the BAFTA website.
