Geneva, 10 February 2026 - As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering excellence and achievement in the arts, and to promoting the transfer of cinematic knowledge to the next generation, Rolex is supporting The National Film and Television School’s (NFTS) Masterclass programme, encouraging new talents and visionaries. 

On 10 February, Rolex and NFTS are hosting a Masterclass with Cameron Bailey, CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

The in-person event, held at the NFTS campus near London in front of hundreds of students, sees Bailey discuss his illustrious career, beginning as a film reviewer to becoming CEO of the world’s largest public film festival.

"At TIFF, we're always looking for exciting new voices in cinema, and for ways to share the powerful culture and reach of this art form globally. I'm glad for the opportunity to sit down with NFTS students so we can learn from each other, and I'm thankful that Rolex, a valued TIFF partner, can help make this possible." – Cameron Bailey

Born in London, Bailey grew up in England and Barbados before migrating to Canada. He began his career as a film critic, then joined TIFF in 1990, rising through the ranks to become Co-Director of the Festival, then Artistic Director, before being named CEO of TIFF in 2021. Bailey is a voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and has been honoured by the French Ministry of Culture as a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres).

The Masterclass is hosted by Sandra Hebron, Head of Curation and Former Director of the London Film Festival, and filmed by Marcus Anthony, a fiction filmmaker and NFTS alumnus who graduated in 2021. Hebron and Bailey’s wide-ranging conversation will tackle subjects including the changing film festival landscape, the cultural and economic importance of festivals, and their value for emerging filmmakers.

In 2025, Rolex became the first-ever partner of the NFTS’ globally recognized Masterclass programme, dedicated to nurturing the filmmakers of tomorrow through learning from some of the most highly acclaimed and inspiring creatives from across the film, television and games spectrum.
 
Past Masterclass guests, including Francis Ford Coppola, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Park Chan-wook and Louis Theroux, have addressed students and answered questions at these illustrious but intimate classes, providing invaluable creative advice and inspiration.

 “The NFTS Masterclass programme is central to the student experience, giving emerging talent direct and unfiltered access to the most influential filmmakers, creators and industry leaders shaping film, television and games today. Each Masterclass has a tangible impact on our students, as they learn not just how to make work, but how to think, challenge and grow as storytellers. We are incredibly grateful to Rolex for their partnership, which enables us to bring these extraordinary voices straight to the heart of the school, and reflects their commitment to championing the next generation of creative talent.” – Jon Wardle, NFTS Director

The partnership between Rolex and the NFTS began with the school’s annual Fundraising Gala in June 2024. 

NFTS is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading schools for screen arts. Alumni collectively hold over 60 Oscar nominations, and more than 100 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards. In 2018, the NFTS received the BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema at the 71st awards.

In 2025, Rolex also became the exclusive Presenting Partner of the TIFF Tribute Awards, the annual gala and fundraiser championing TIFF’s core mission to transform the way people see the world through film. The event honours the outstanding contributions and achievements of leading industry members, actors, directors, new talent, and film artists of all kinds. Past honourees include Brendan Fraser, Angelina Jolie, Spike Lee, Cate Blanchett and Amy Adams.

Through its partnerships with these revered and culturally vital institutions, Rolex celebrates extraordinary artistic feats and visions, and seeks to support and cultivate new creative voices to tell the stories of the future. 

ROLEX AND CINEMA
Rolex celebrates human achievement as a journey marked by milestones, emotions and defining moments. For more than half a century, the brand has partnered some of the world’s most talented artists and leading cultural institutions to promote excellence and the transmission of artistic heritage, creating a link between the past, present and future.

Through the Perpetual Arts Initiative, a broad portfolio of arts that extends through architecture, cinema, dance, music, literature, theatre and visual arts, the brand confirms its long-term commitment to global culture. 

The company has had close ties with the film industry for decades, its watches playing a role in numerous films, including Oscar®-winning masterpieces. Since 2017, Rolex has supported the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, serving as Proud Sponsor of the Oscars®, hosting the event’s Greenroom, as well as supporting the Governors Awards, which recognize lifetime achievement and humanitarian efforts in the film industry. Rolex also sponsors Film at Lincoln Center as Official Partner and Exclusive Timepiece.

The company promotes achievement through Testimonees such as James Cameron, Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Scorsese, Zendaya and Jia Zhang-Ke. It also assists in the preservation of film history for future generations as a Founding Supporter of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, as a partner of The Film Foundation and through its support to The National Film and Television School. 

ABOUT TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 
TIFF is a not-for-profit cultural organization with a mission to transform the way people see the world through film. A global leader in film and entertainment, TIFF initiatives include the annual Toronto International Film Festival® in September; TIFF Lightbox, which features five cinemas, learning and entertainment facilities; the Donald Shebib TIFF Film Circuit, an innovative national distribution program; and the TIFF Content Market launching in 2026. The organization generates an estimated annual economic impact of $240 million CAD. TIFF Lightbox is generously supported by contributors including the Province of Ontario, the Government of Canada, the City of Toronto, the Reitman family (Ivan Reitman, Agi Mandel, and Susan Michaels), The Daniels Corporation, and RBC. For more information, visit tiff.net.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL FILM AND TELEVISION SCHOOL (NFTS)
The National Film and Television School (NFTS) is a renowned educational institution specialising in film, television and games. Leading the way in creative education for over 50 years and with locations across the UK in Scotland, Wales and the North, the NFTS has established itself as one of the most prestigious film schools in the world. Offering an inclusive and diverse learning environment, the School attracts students from all over the globe. It consistently ranks among The Hollywood Reporter’s top international film schools and has been recognised for its excellence in teaching and innovation. The NFTS develops some of Britain and the world’s top creative talent, with graduates going on to win numerous awards, including 15 Oscars and over 165 BAFTAs. As a registered charity (313429) the School provides a level playing field for all students, regardless of their background, gender or ethnicity. For more information see nfts.co.uk