Walk of Stars spotlights filmmakers supported by National Lottery

Created by The National Lottery in partnership with the BFI, the ‘Walk of Stars’ shines a light on both established and rising stars of the UK film industry who have been supported by National Lottery funding.

The unveiling of the ‘Walk of Stars’ was timed to celebrate the opening of this year’s BFI London Film Festival which runs from 4th-15th October.

Gurinda, whose groundbreaking films include the 2002 hit Bend it Like Beckham, is one of 10 talented filmmakers honoured by the ‘Walk of Stars’.

Another is Charlotte, a BAFTA-nominated writer-director from London, who began her career making music videos for grime artists. At the age of 16, she took part in a BFI Film Academy short course and her talent has been nurtured by the BFI Network mentoring programme.

Charlotte’s participation in the programme – which matches up-and-coming filmmakers with established names – led to the opportunity to present her BAFTA-nominated short film STANDBY to the Sundance Ignite Film Festival.

Charlotte’s first feature film, the comedy-drama Scrapper, was also made with the support of the BFI. It won the Grand Jury Prize for the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.

Speaking at the unveiling of the ‘Walk of Stars’, Gurinder said, “Film has the unique power to bridge cultures, evoke emotions, and tell stories that resonate with people from all walks of life. The support of The National Lottery has been instrumental in bringing these stories to the forefront and ensuring that diverse voices in the film industry have the opportunity to shine.

"This recognition serves as a reminder of the immense impact cinema can have on society and an example of that is the increased awareness of women’s football following Bend It Like Beckham. I am honoured to be featured in this installation and am deeply grateful for the continued support of The National Lottery.”

Some of the other film talent awarded a star in recognition of their contribution to National Lottery funded film projects include actors Hayley Squires (I, Daniel Blake), Sophie Okonedo CBE (Wild Rose) and David Jonsson (Rye Lane).

The ‘Walk of Stars’ also showcases 5 young filmmakers working hard to put their mark on UK film. Among these emerging stars are filmmakers Greta McMillan, Ross Wilders and Mdhamiri á Nkemi, screenwriter Eden Quine-Taylor and up-and-coming producer Parker Dawes.

Greta, who works with an Eyegaze computer that allows her to control a cursor with her eyes, created a multi-award-winning short film about the climate crisis called Change Direction.

Mdhamiri á Nkemi, an alumni of the National Lottery-supported BFI Film Academy, has worked on several BAFTA shortlisted films and Eden’s first short film script Happy Ever After won an award at The International KidsNFilm Festival.

Ross is a successful short filmmaker and continues to develop his skills in videography, editing, and filmmaking. Whilst Parker Dawes is a rising star having produced an award-winning animated film in English and Gaelic, Gàidhlig sa Chiste inspired by Gaelic signage.

National Lottery players raise around £30MMillion every week for good causes across the UK. Their contribution to the UK film industry has funded the making of more than 600 films in the past 26 years, which have won an astonishing 504 awards including 16 Oscars, 124 BAFTAs and 33 Cannes awards.

Pictured (top to bottom): Gurinder Chadha, Charlotte Regan, Greta Mcmillan and Ross Wilders.

10th October 2023