National Talent Academies -Recipients of the 2025 Mentorship Scheme
Black and Irish, BNI Media and the National Talent Academy for Film and TV Drama are delighted to announce the five talented filmmakers selected for the inaugural 2025 Mentorship Scheme.
The scheme, designed for emerging writers, directors and producers, aims to support Black, Mixed Race, People of Colour and individuals from multicultural backgrounds living in Ireland. Through tailored one to one mentoring, participants will receive guidance to develop their professional skills and advance their careers within the film and television industry.
Black and Irish is committed to raising awareness and celebrating the lives of Black and Mixed Race Irish people. Its mission is to advocate for the Black community in Ireland, foster connections between Black communities and wider Irish society, and educate the public to embrace an anti racist mindset.
Following a highly competitive open call, five exceptional filmmakers have been selected: Dorothée Karekezi, Jasmim Lobos, Mina Eusebio, Sally Sumola and Thembi Nkosi
The 2025 mentors, chosen earlier this year through an open application process, are Aisha Bolaji, Derek Ugochukwu, Grace Odumosu, Nell Hensey and Seán Gallen. Each mentor brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for nurturing the next generation of storytellers. Black and Irish and the National Talent Academy extend heartfelt thanks to our mentors for their dedication, engagement and commitment to supporting emerging talent.
The 2025 Mentees:
Dorothée Karekezi is a film and theatre maker dedicated to crafting contemporary, non conforming and thought provoking stories exploring identity, belonging and self love. With a multidisciplinary approach shaped by her multicultural background, she creates work that disrupts norms, reflects complex human experiences and amplifies silenced voices.
Jasmim Lobos is an aspiring producer with a passion for film. Having moved to Ireland two years ago for her studies, she is eager to collaborate with storytellers who highlight culture and its influence on perspective.
Mina Eusebio is an artist and activist from Dublin, and a graduate of Music at TU Dublin Conservatoire. Their storytelling spans multiple mediums and focuses on amplifying authentic, underrepresented voices in the Irish arts. Mina has participated in screenwriting initiatives including GORM’s Wideshot programme in 2025 and GALPAL Writers Club in 2024, where they completed their first short film.
Sally Sumola is a Dublin based actor and emerging screenwriter drawn to character driven stories exploring identity, girlhood and coming of age. Trained at Bow Street Academy, she brings the discipline of a former track athlete to her creative practice and is now honing her voice as a screenwriter.
Thembi Nkosi is a South African aspiring writer and director. Her work reflects her personal experiences, with a particular focus on drama and horror. Recently, she has ventured into comedy, discovering a new and unexpected strength in her storytelling.
About Black and Irish:
Black and Irish was founded to empower Black and Mixed Race communities in Ireland. Working across advocacy, community building and education, its vision is to create a more equal and inclusive Ireland and improve the quality of life for Black and Mixed Race people.
About BNI Media:
BNI Media is a new media network emerging from the Black and Irish organisation. Its mission is to tell inspiring and creative stories from underrepresented communities and to bring a new wave of Black and minority ethnic media to audiences in Europe and beyond.
The National Talent Academy for Film and TV Drama is an initiative of Screen Ireland, managed by Ardán.