Directors Digest — Thursday 13 January

The film and TV industries mourn the losses of Jana Bennett, Peter Bogdanovich and Sidney Poitier, all recently departed. Alongside this, Golden Globes, BAFTAs and talking points for the new year all feature in this week’s Digest. Read all about it below. 

Jana Bennett, former BBC director of television, passed away this week at the age of 66. Figures from across the industry have been paying tribute, and Broadcast carries the report here. 

Last week also saw the passing of The Last Picture Show director Peter Bogdanovich, aged 82. Read a full obituary at The Guardian. 

Sidney Poitier passed away last week at the age of 94. Actor Don Warrington payed tribute to a trailblazer and icon. (Guardian)

Meanwhile, the Golden Globes were announced, with Jane Campion taking home the award for Best Director. (Variety)

The longlists have been announced for the 2022 BAFTA film awards. Huge congratulations to all those longlisted this year! (BAFTA)

Screen International has rounded up nine talking points for the global film industry in 2022.

Meanwhile, the BBC has issued £570,000 north east factual invitation to pitch. (Broadcast)

And finally, A Hero director Asghar Farhadi spoke about the making of his new film and the pressure that comes with an international status. (Guardian) You can hear more from Asghar on the latest Directors UK Podcast.

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.