The British Academy of Film and Television Arts last month announced the 15 finalists for the 2021 Global Student Accommodation BAFTA Student Awards. Following the announcement of two new awards – BAFTA Student Award for Games and BAFTA Student Award for Immersive – submissions were received from 126 schools in 34 countries and included narrative film, animation, documentary, 360 videos, Experiential VR, VR Games and PC Games. The virtual ceremony is set to take place on July 23.

“We continue to be impressed by the incredibly high standard of work submitted by these emerging creatives across the globe, particularly with the addition of the Games and Immersive awards this year,” BAFTA Los Angeles Chair of the Board Kathryn Busby said. “It seems clear that no matter where in the world, or the format of storytelling, there is an exciting, diverse and inclusive future ahead for our industry. BAFTA is proud to recognize and support these impressive individuals, and we look forward to announcing the winners at our virtual ceremony in July.”

As part of the 2021 Student Awards program, BAFTA and GSA will offer its third BAFTA-GSA Short Film Commissioning Grant of $12,000 to a film or films on the topic of youth well-being. Those eligible for the grant include shortlisted filmmakers for the GSA BAFTA Student Awards, as well as participants of some of BAFTA’s New Talent Initiatives.

The GSA BAFTA Student Awards celebrates and rewards the next generation of talented and innovative filmmakers from around the globe. With past winners and nominees including Ryan Coogler (“Black Panther,” “Creed”), Sharat Raju (“Scandal,” “Fear the Walking Dead”), Clara Roquet, Annie Silverstein and Kevin Wilson Jr., the awards have created a legacy for rewarding the next big filmmakers in the industry.

Film finalists were chosen from within the previously announced 60 shortlisted films. BAFTA programmed a series of online events for the shortlisted filmmakers, including speed networking events with industry guests from BAFTA’s membership, as well as panels on the subjects of career development, representation, storytelling for Games, film festival submissions and film markets. All directors on the shortlist are given the opportunity to apply for and join BAFTA’s New Talent programs, which includes year-round access to online events.

The Student Awards is an important component of BAFTA Los Angeles’ Access for All initiative, a year-round program created to ensure that talented individuals are offered a clear pathway to careers in the entertainment industry, uninhibited by background, demographics or personal circumstance. Activities include acclaimed scholarship, mentorship, education and community initiatives.

For information, visit bafta.org/losangeles.