At Chocolate Films, we know how powerful film can be in sparking creativity and imagination in young minds. As a social enterprise and production company, we’ve spent years running workshops that empower children to tell their own stories through film. This year, we were proud to see our expertise in working with young people recognized in a significant way: our Co-Founder and Creative Director, Rachel Wang, was invited to Chair the Jury for the inaugural BAFTA Children’s & Family Film Award.
The introduction of this new category marks an exciting moment for the film industry, acknowledging the importance of films that inspire intergenerational audiences. Children’s films are more than just entertainment; they have the power to shape perspectives, spark curiosity, and nurture a lifelong love of cinema. BAFTA’s commitment to celebrating this genre is a step forward in ensuring that young audiences continue to have access to high-quality storytelling that resonates across generations.
A Key Role for Chocolate Films
Chocolate Films invitation to Chair the Jury for this award is a testament to our longstanding dedication to the film industry and our commitment to nurturing young talent. As a longstanding BAFTA member and a recent co-opted member of BAFTA’s Film Committee, Rachel has been an advocate for increasing opportunities for young people within the industry. Her leadership in this jury panel aligns perfectly with Chocolate Films’ mission: to create impactful films while supporting the next generation of filmmakers through our workshops.
The Jury brought together some of the industry’s leading figures to select the best of the best in children’s and family cinema. It was an honour for Rachel to guide these discussions, ensuring that the winning film embodies the creativity, innovation, and emotional depth that define outstanding storytelling for young audiences.
Rachel with two of Jury members Andrew Miller and Moira McVean.
BAFTA Nominee Party and a Celebration of UK Film
As BAFTA members, our Directors also had the privilege of attending the prestigious BAFTA Nominee Party at the National Gallery. This event brought together some of the most influential creatives and professionals shaping the UK’s thriving film industry. With a record-breaking £2.1 billion spent on film production in the UK last year, the industry continues to solidify its place on the global stage.
The UK government has highlighted the creative industries as a key driver of economic growth, and Chocolate Films is proud to play a central role in this development. As a business with a social impact, we are not just producing content—we are nurturing a skilled and diverse talent pipeline, ensuring that the next generation of filmmakers is equipped to contribute to this dynamic sector.
Meeting Hard Truths Actress Marianne Jean- Baptiste
A Night to Remember at the EE BAFTAs
Following the hard work of the Jury, Rachel attended the BAFTA Awards on Sunday, hosted by the brilliant David Tennant. The night was filled with memorable moments, including performances by Take That and Jeff Goldblum, celebrating the best in British and international cinema.
At Chocolate Films, we are excited to see the growing recognition of children’s and family films and the impact they have on young audiences. We look forward to continuing our work in inspiring young creatives through our workshops and film productions, ensuring that the next generation of filmmakers has the opportunity to shine.
