Stern & Wild’s Rajesh Thind announced as one of the new BAFTA Elevate cohort

Huge congratulations to Stern & Wild filmmaker Rajesh Thind, who has been selected as one of 20 filmmakers to participate in the 2025/26 BAFTA Elevate career development programme.

The programme is aimed at individuals working at mid-senior levels within the industry who come from underrepresented groups which includes those from minority ethnic, disabled and/or low socio-economic backgrounds. For the first time, the scheme is focused on documentary and specialist factual filmmakers, in response to a lengthy industry consultation which identified significant barriers for individuals from underrepresented groups to progress to decision-maker roles in this area. The 2025/26 programme is supported by British Menswear House, dunhill.

Each of the scheme’s participants will receive a tailored programme of support over the next two years including networking opportunities, masterclasses, workshops and panel discussions. The new cohort were out in force last night with attendance at the ‘dunhill Film Makers Dinner’ which was held to celebrate the programme. To read about each of the selected filmmakers, click on the image below.