The Peninsula Hotels Partners with BAFTA to Help Nurture Creative Talent in Asia

The Peninsula Hotels is proud to partner with world-leading independent arts charity BAFTA (the British Academy of Film and Television Arts) on the launch of their new programme ‘BAFTA Breakthrough China’ – an initiative designed to identify and nurture the next generation of creative talent in Asia, and encourage mutual collaboration between practitioners.

The inaugural programme was launched on 23 June at a star-studded event held at the historical No. 1 Waitanyuan, a former British Consulate building managed and operated by The Peninsula Shanghai. In attendance was actor Tom Hiddleston, BAFTA Chief Executive Amanda Berry and Asian fashionista Natasha Lau, as well as representatives of The Peninsula Hotels.

Speaking of the partnership with the luxury hotel brand, Amanda Berry, BAFTA’s Chief Executive said: “Both The Peninsula Hotels – a company founded in Asia – and BAFTA are dedicated to developing and supporting the highest calibre of talent in their respective fields.  With our shared vision and values they are the perfect Hotel Partner for BAFTA Breakthrough China.” 

Each year, a ‘BAFTA Breakthrough China’ jury of industry notables will identify up to five on and off-screen talented newcomers recognised for having had a breakthrough year. Those selected will in turn join a year-long mentoring and guidance programme, which also involves access to BAFTA events and networking opportunities in the UK and internationally. Supporters of the UK version of the initiative – BAFTA Breakthrough Brits, which has been running since 2013 – include actors Olivia Colman and Tilda Swinton, actor-producer Brad Pitt, directors Tom Harper and Barry Jenkins, game designers Brenda Romero and Tim Schafer, and actor-writers Sharon Horgan and Amy Schumer. BAFTA will offer similar opportunities through BAFTA Breakthrough China, with access to British, Chinese and international industry figures.

“Partnering with BAFTA to support the success of up-and-coming talent in Asia is an inspiring endeavour that we are honoured to support,” said Peter Borer, Chief Operating Officer of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, owner and operator of The Peninsula Hotels. “Mentorship, training and encouraging industry progression are fundamentals held dear by The Peninsula, and we felt that this particular programme was a wonderful opportunity to help foster success in the wider community.”

This inherent desire to reach the highest possible standards led to The Peninsula Hotels being named the first and only hotel brand to achieve a Forbes Five-Star rating across its entire portfolio earlier this year.

Another BAFTA event will be held in this coming October. Please stay tuned for more exciting moments.

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