Directors Digest — 29 October 2018

Filmmaker Oleg Sentsov wins the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, Carey Mulligan talks on-set childcare, and BECTU elects Philippa Childs as its new leader. Read all about it below. 

Film

Ukrainian filmmaker and political prisoner Oleg Sentsov is to receive the 2018 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Responding to the decision, FERA Chair (and Directors UK member) Dan Clifton said: “Our members have been moved and inspired by Oleg Sentsov’s tireless campaign for his freedom, and for the freedom of all Ukrainian political prisoners detained by Russia.” Read the full FERA press release.

The nominations for the 2018 British Independent Film Awards were announced — with Directors UK members Lynne Ramsay and Bart Layton both receiving directing nominations. Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees! 

Actor Carey Mulligan has called for on-set childcare in the film industry, The Guardian reports.

Meanwhile, Australian director Heath Davis talked about bouncing back from failure to create his new feature film. (Guardian)

Deadline looks at Nic Roeg’s Performance 50 years on. 

Charlie Phillips argues that documentaries are real reporting, using Michael Moore’s new film Farenheit 11/9 as an example. (Guardian)

Television

Channel 4 has picked Leeds as the home of its new National HQ. (Broadcast)

Philippa Childs has been appointed BECTU’s first ever female leader. (BECTU)

Broadcast takes a look at the work that goes on behind the scenes of The Great British Bake Off. 

Former The Mill execs Darren O’Kelly and Neil Davies have created a new creative studio. (Televisual) 

Real Screen takes a look at what kind of VOD brings in the most revenue.

Are you a member with an opinion on one of these stories? Is there an issue affecting directors that you think isn’t getting enough attention in the media? Why not write for us and make yourself heard — email [email protected] with your article idea.