NFTS Announces The Sad Passing of Former Director Nik Powell

It is with great sadness that the NFTS announces the death of our former Director and friend Nik Powell. He loved the School deeply and was incredibly proud of every one of our graduates. Nik leaves a lasting legacy and will be missed by us all.

Nik who had been receiving treatment for cancer, died on Thursday 7th November in Oxford surrounded by his family.

Nik was Director of the NFTS from 2003 before stepping down in 2017. He had a distinguished career in the media industry, firstly in music as co-founder of Virgin Records and subsequently as a producer of several award-winning films.  

Under his leadership, Nik oversaw a transformation of the NFTS, helping it gain recognition as one of the best film schools in the world.

NFTS Director Jon Wardle said: “I spent five incredibly happy years working with Nik as his deputy. He was a good friend and I will miss him hugely. He told me recently how his work to support and develop NFTS students to reach their full potential was probably the professional achievement he was most proud of. The culmination of his work at the School was recognised in 2018 when together we collected the BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award.  Nik leaves an unrivalled legacy and no one has done more than him to set the bar high. We will continue to strive for the future success of the School in his honour.”

The NFTS will share plans to commemorate Nik in due course and our condolences go to his family and many friends.