AFU graduate Tian Ji wins BAFTA scholarship to study in Hong Kong

AFU alumnus Tian Macleod Ji has been awarded a prestigious BAFTA scholarship to study the MFA in Creative Media at City University of Hong Kong. The highly sought after award comprises a year’s course fees, a £10,000 bursary for expenses, and mentoring support from an industry professional in Hong Kong.

After leaving Abingdon, Tian, now aged 22, studied for a BA in Chinese at SOAS, University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies). His course included a year in Beijing, where he researched and wrote a thesis on Chinese Independent Cinema.

As a member of the AFU, Tian won the Best Documentary award at the BFI Future Film Festival for his first live-action short A Soldier, documenting his uncle’s experiences serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. BAFTA has introduced Tian to Craig Leeson, CEO of award-winning Hong Kong-based production company Leeson Media, who will mentor him during his studies.
Tian said: “With the scholarship…BAFTA has…introduced to me to an inspirational mentor, who is a successful director and producer based in Hong Kong. This is invaluable in laying the foundation for a career in filmmaking, which I intend to pursue.”