BAFTA Breakthrough 2025 US Cohort: A Diverse Group of Rising Talent
BAFTA North America has unveiled the 2025 BAFTA Breakthrough US cohort, a diverse group of talented individuals who are poised for their breakthrough moments in the film, television, and gaming industries. This year's cohort includes writers, directors, actors, and producers, all recognized for their exceptional contributions to the creative world.
The initiative, now in its 6th year, aims to support and celebrate emerging talent, providing them with the resources and opportunities to further their careers. Notable alumni include industry heavyweights like Stephanie Economou, HIKARI, Nava Mau, and more.
Here's a closer look at the 2025 cohort:
- Brandon Wilson: An actor and writer, Wilson stars in the Oscar-nominated film Nickel Boys, for which he won the 2024 Gotham Award for Breakthrough Performer. He's also part of the cast of the upcoming film adaptation of Colson Whitehead's novel.
- Brittany Shyne: An independent filmmaker and cinematographer, Shyne's work explores personal history and cultural change. Her debut feature, Seeds, premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and received critical acclaim.
- Chase Infiniti: A rising Hollywood talent, Infiniti is known for her roles in One Battle After Another and the Apple TV+ series Presumed Innocent. She's also set to star in The Testaments, the highly anticipated sequel to The Handmaid's Tale.
- Erika Ishii: A queer, genderfluid performer, Ishii has over 100 voiceover credits, including roles in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Apex Legends, and Mortal Kombat 1. They're also a talented comedian and host of their own podcast.
- Eva Victor: A writer, director, and actor, Victor's debut film SORRY, BABY premiered at Sundance, winning the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award. It was later acquired by A24 and featured at the Cannes Film Festival.
- Frida Pérez: A Dominican-American writer and producer, Pérez is the Emmy-winning co-creator of the Apple TV+ series The Studio. She's also a Sundance Ignite Fellow and has written and directed acclaimed short films.
- Karla Reyes: A New York-based game developer, Reyes founded Anima Interactive, the studio behind the acclaimed game Take Us North. She's worked with Square Enix and Niantic and is now leading initiatives to use games for social impact.
- Maggie Kang: A writer and director, Kang is best known for KPOP DEMON HUNTERS, a global phenomenon that became a #1 hit in over 30 countries.
- Mia Cioffi Henry: A cinematographer, Henry's work spans feature films, television, and music videos. She's known for her character-driven visual style and currently teaches at NYU Tisch.
- Miles Caton: A rising actor and musician, Caton gained global acclaim for his role in Sinners. He's also a New York-born vocalist who has built a successful music career alongside his acting.
- Paige Bethmann: A Haudenosaunee filmmaker, Bethmann's directorial debut REMAINING NATIVE premiered at SXSW, winning special jury and audience awards. She's been recognized for her work in non-fiction television.
- Xalavier Nelson Jr.: A BAFTA-nominated studio head, Nelson Jr. has worked on over a hundred titles, including I Am Your Beast and Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival. He's also a talented writer and actor.
This diverse group of artists and creators is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in the US. BAFTA Breakthrough continues to support and celebrate these rising stars, fostering their growth and impact in the industry.
