BAFTA-YUGO SHORT FILM COMMISSIONING GRANT OF USD 12,000 AWARDED TO BAFTA NEWCOMER

Camille Hamadé announced as latest recipient of BAFTA-Yugo Short Film Commissioning Grant for 2024, receiving a five-figure cash award towards the development of his latest project.

Los Angeles, February 9, 2024

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) today announced that BAFTA Newcomer Camille Hamadé is the latest recipient of the BAFTA-Yugo Short Film Commissioning Grant, which supports a short film project that takes an original approach to sustainability and related topics. The grant includes a USD 12,000 cash award and overall creative and strategic feedback throughout the project's life to support further development of the film.

The commissioning grant will help Hamadé with the production of his short film “To Fade Away.” Based on a true story, “To Fade Away" tells the story of Lebanese scientist Camil A. Sabbah in 1935 New York as he pursues another opportunity to fund his solar energy project after the company he works for refuses to move forward. Sabbah quickly finds himself confronted with forces that are trying to keep him from achieving his dream.

“We are thrilled to support Camille Hamadé’s vision with the BAFTA-Yugo Short Film Commissioning Grant. ‘To Fade Away’ represents the type of forward-thinking storytelling we aim to champion at Yugo - one that not only entertains but also educates and inspires action towards sustainability. We are committed to highlighting stories that drive change and supports the power of creative expression in addressing global challenges,” said Joe Persechino, Chief Operating Officer at Yugo.

Hamadé's winning film was selected by the BAFTA-Yugo Grant Jury, compromised of Non-Executive Director at The Dot Group, Chantal Rickards OBE, Vice President of Film Strategy & Business Development at Universal Pictures Sam Enoch, 2021 commissioning grant recipients Clarisse Chua and William Martin III, Vice President of Current Programming at Film 45 Giselle Rodriguez, director and cinematographer Chelsea Hernandez, writer and director Darin Sallam, Co-Founder of Global Cinematheque Jasmine Jaisinghani, director Nanfu Wang, and actor Aria Mia Loberti.