A BELFAST director whose documentary on the lives of black people growing up in the north was broadcast by the BBC last year has been named in a list of rising stars in the UK film and TV industry.
Tolu Ogunware, who directed Black, Northern Irish And Proud, is among names included in the Hot Shots 2023 list by industry magazine Broadcast.
The annual listing showcases young talent from across the UK, and the 27-year-old is described in the publication as someone "committed to increasing diversity and representation in the television industry, which he believes can come about through creating opportunities for filmmakers and photographers".
Black, Northern Irish And Proud aired on BBC NI last September, and saw young people featured in the film "offering frank and honest opinions on topics such as identity, diversity, green and orange politics, racism, black pride and a shared future".
Tolu, who began his career directing music videos for local bands, was also a camera operator on 2021 short film Where You Really From?, which explored the experiences of youth footballers from ethnic minority backgrounds in the north.
He is currently working on a new film, titled No More Bricks in the Wall, which will document the impact of Belfast's peace walls on the post-Good Friday Agreement generation.
Welcoming Tolu's inclusion in the new Broadcast list, Andrew Reid of NI Screen said: “As well as a talented documentarian, Tolu is a photographer who has had exhibitions in cities nationwide. He gives workshops and talks on film-making to youths from underrepresented communities and was recognised as a trailblazing film-maker and entrepreneur in the Belfast Telegraph’s 30 under 30.
“Tolu is smart, talented and an absolute pleasure to work with.”
Meanwhile, another young professional from the north to be included in the list is Maria McCloskey, who has worked as an assistant producer on shows including BBC NI's The Hotel People and Beauty Queen and Single. The 23-year-old, who works with Belfast-based production company Stellify Media, has also previously worked as a trainee director on BBC hit drama Line of Duty.
