The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the launch of the Jonas Gwangwa Music Composition Initiative, a program to help black British musicians interested in developing their film writing careers.
The program begins in October in partnership with Mercury Studios. Celebrating the late South African musician, composer and Academy Award nominee Jonas Gwanghwa (“Cry Freedom”), the program will provide a real-world experience, one-on-one mentorship, and networking opportunities.
The initiative, which is part of Aperture 2025’s ongoing global outreach and engagement efforts, aims to foster a broader representation in the film music composition, with a focus on black British talent. The initiative was led by UK Academy members Gary Yershun (music branch), Maisan Sagai (book branch) and Nainita Desai (music branch).
This initiative seeks to correct the defect. In contrast to the significant contributions that black musicians make to the UK music industry, their presence in the UK film industry is sorely lacking.” “Through this programme, we seek to build a community among black artists in the UK by highlighting opportunities to link film and music careers.
The program is open to black UK-based artists and composers with at least three years of work experience as a musician.
Two participants will be selected for the program and will gain access to members of the Academy across various branches in order to understand the filmmaking process; One-on-one mentorship with a member of the Academy’s Music Branch to learn about the practical aspects of film composition; Access to the Academy’s events and performances in London; and introductions to leading practitioners from all fields of film music, among other mentorship programmes.
Furthermore, participants will be matched with a filmmaker in the process of producing a short film and will have the opportunity to compose the music for the film.
Two grants from Universal Music Group’s Mercury Studios, a global full-service film and television production studio, and Decca Records will help fund the formative work. Programming and additional support will be provided by Abbey Road Studios.
Applications for the Jonas Guangwa Music Composition Initiative are now open. visit https://oscars.org/learn/jonas-gwangwa-initiative for more information.
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