Channel 4 has officially named Farhana Bhula as the new Director of Film4, marking a pivotal moment for the UK’s premier feature film division. Following a rigorous external recruitment process, Bhula steps into the role immediately, succeeding Ollie Madden, who departed to join Netflix as Director of UK Film.
A Proven Visionary
Bhula has been a driving force within Film4 since 2022, initially joining as Senior Commissioning Executive before rising to Head of Creative and Deputy Director. Her tenure has been defined by a commitment to bold, original storytelling and nurturing emerging talent. She served as interim director since July, and her permanent appointment signals continuity with a fresh creative mandate.
Her portfolio includes critically acclaimed titles such as:
– How to Have Sex by Molly Manning Walker
– All of Us Strangers by Andrew Haigh
– Upcoming features like Rose of Nevada (Mark Jenkin), The History of Sound (Oliver Hermanus), and H Is for Hawk (Philippa Lowthorpe)
Bhula also spearheaded the Future Takes initiative in partnership with the BFI, a high-budget shorts programme designed to elevate new voices in British film.
Leadership with Purpose
In her statement, Bhula emphasized Film4’s legacy of “original, daring filmmaking that truly cuts through,” and expressed her excitement to lead the division into its next chapter. “It’s an honour to now lead Film4,” she said, “with a mandate to take creative risks, an ambition to connect British filmmakers with global audiences, and the support of Channel 4’s exceptional executive team”.
Jonathan Allan, Interim CEO of Channel 4, praised Bhula’s “experience, dedication to emerging talent, and established industry relationships,” adding that her leadership will “deliver a new exciting era and success for our filmmakers and the Film4 brand on the world stage”.
Strategic Continuity
Bhula will remain on Channel 4’s Executive and Senior Leadership Teams, reporting to Chief Commercial Affairs Officer Martin Baker. She will also collaborate with the Channel 4 drama team on projects like Major Players, a new TV series from Molly Manning Walker and A24.
A Career Built on Storytelling
Before joining Film4, Bhula held key roles at the BFI, Wildgaze Films, and Endor Productions. Her credits include Scrapper, Pretty Red Dress, Limbo, and Wicked Little Letters, showcasing her knack for championing distinctive, emotionally resonant narratives.
With Farhana Bhula at the helm, Film4 is poised to deepen its reputation as a launchpad for cinematic innovation—bridging British creativity with global impact.
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