LONDON: A Saudi student has become the first to receive a Yugo BAFTA Student Award nomination in Los Angeles for her submission in the gaming category.

Rafif Kalantan, who was supported by NEOM to attend the National Film and Television School, had her work reviewed by a panel of 140 BAFTA members, who selected titles to progress to the next round of the program.

The Yugo BAFTA Student Awards is an annual event celebrating the works of young, highly skilled and creative storytellers from around the world.

Kalantan’s entry, “Eros Xavier’s Love Solutions,” was the culmination of an intensive two-year program of training across several skill sets including directing, composing, location sound recording, games design and visual effects.

“Eros Xavier’s Love Solutions” is a 2.5D narrative-driven puzzle-like game in which gamers play as Eros, a retired cupid who breaks couples apart instead of bringing them together by manipulating objects in their home.

This year’s Yugo BAFTA Student Awards welcomed 754 submissions from 103 schools across 30 countries, including Argentina, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the UAE.

Jon Wardle, director at NFTS, said: “Rafif’s talent and dedication, supported by NEOM, has led to this well-deserved recognition.

“‘Eros Xavier’s Love Solutions’ showcases Rafif’s creative storytelling in the gaming category and we are proud to have played a part in her journey, as we continue to nurture up-and-coming talent and shape the future of an increasingly diverse and dynamic games industry.

“Rafif’s success serves as an inspiration to aspiring games creators everywhere.”

Wayne Borg, managing director of Media Industries, Entertainment, and Culture at NEOM, said: “NEOM is thrilled to see Rafif Kalantan’s incredible talent recognized by such a prestigious organization as BAFTA for her excellence in games.

“Saudi Arabia’s gaming market has exploded in recent years and continues to evolve and expand, fueled by young and innovative gamers like Rafif.

“Establishing dedicated NEOM programs with the National Film and Television School is crucial in supporting our young talent pool of creatives, paving a career path, and setting a precedent for aspiring filmmakers and gamers as we strive to become an elite global media hub.”

NEOM’s ongoing training programs and mentor schemes nurture and develop new and emerging local talent wishing to pursue a career in the screen sector, championing and strengthening its cultural, social, and economic impact.