Scholarship for black students

A film school has launched a new scholarship designed to support the next generation of black film-makers in honour of a former student who committed suicide.

MetFilm School, based in Ealing, has created the scholarship to help black students break into the screen industry and also to remember former student, Dan Demissie, who died in July 2019.

In 2007, Dan was a film student at MetFilm school, and began working on his film Town of Runners, the story of two young girls living in a rural town in Ethiopia as they try to run their way to a different life, which was later released in 2012.

The Dan Demissie Voices That Matter Scholarship is there to help the next generation of black film-makers, recognising the importance of accessibility and equality within the screen industry.

Simon, Dan’s brother, said: “On behalf of Dan’s family we are truly grateful and honoured that MetFilm has created this scholarship in his name. Film was a great passion in his life, and an avenue where he was able to be creative and produce work we are so proud of.

“Dan always went out of his way to help other people, so it seems appropriate that this scholarship is designed to help people who so often have barriers put in their way.

“We are excited to see the work that recipients are able to create over the coming years, and are touched to think that he will be supporting them in some way.”

MetFilm School will offer one full scholarship for a black applicant each year to a MetFilm School BA or MA programme to one black student each year – worth up to £53,000.

The award will cover full tuition fees for the selected programme of study, either at undergraduate or postgraduate level, and is assessed on the basis of financial need as well as talent and achievement in the screen industries.

Jonny Persey, director of MetFilm School, said: “Dan died too soon, and his legacy is strong in his films and amongst those of us who were lucky enough to know him, and we are honoured to launch this important scholarship for a black student in his name.”