About two weeks ago, PGGB announced the finalists of the Duke of Edinburgh Film & TV Inclusion Award 2025. The initiative recognises and celebrates the inspirational work of individuals or organisations that help make the UK Film & TV industry more inclusive. The award will be presented by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at a live ceremony on Monday 24th March 2025 and is hosted in association with The Walt Disney Studios and supported by Sargent-Disc.
One of our five finalists is Futures in Film, an industry-led initiative dedicated to bridging the gap between underrepresented communities and the film and HETV industry through technical training, production simulations, and direct industry engagement. Committed to creating an inclusive and accessible future in film and TV, with a particular focus on underrepresented groups such as those from disadvantaged and faith-based communities, Futures in Film addresses systematic barriers to entry and creates opportunities to develop industry-relevant skills and gain on-set experience with industry-standard equipment.
Futures in Film's founder and director is Rizwan Wadan, an experienced camera operator and producer known in the industry for his technical innovation in developing advanced camera stabilisation systems that were used in major productions including The Favourite and Star Wars: Rogue One. Intending to create structured pathways for people from underrepresented communities, Rizwan decided to put his career on hold to establish Futures in Film.
"I founded Futures in Film to serve as a direct gateway into the industry network and supply chain,” Rizwan says. As a first-generation immigrant and self-taught professional without formal industry connections, Rizwan had to build his own career pathway and knows first-hand the challenges many young people from underrepresented communities are facing.
"The UK film industry is heavily network-driven, making it difficult for those outside traditional film schools to secure meaningful opportunities. (…) Access to this industry is a privilege but should be open. Muslim women, underrepresented communities, faith groups, neurodiverse individuals, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds deserve real opportunities. This isn’t just my mission – it’s something we all have a responsibility to change," Rizwan says.
By providing hands-on production experience, career mentorship, and structured industry pathways, Futures in Film CIC is breaking barriers for underrepresented communities. It creates direct access to the film industry for those historically excluded, including individuals facing social mobility challenges.
