The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) has awarded international film and television producer, Parminder Vir OBE, with an honorary Master of Arts degree in recognition of her contribution to film and television.
She received the award at UCA Maidstone’s graduation ceremony on 9 July 2010 at All Saints Church, Maidstone.
Parminder Vir OBE is an award-winning film and television producer, media consultant and cultural diversity advocate.
She broke into television by making documentaries for the BBC, but went on to produce drama, current affairs and feature films internationally.
Throughout her career, Parminder has been at the forefront of championing ethnic diversity, spearheading the Cultural Diversity Network, which is an industry-wide organisation committed to diversity in output and employment.
Dianne Taylor, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean at the University, said: “Parminder Vir has been incredibly successful in the world of film and television, however we are also celebrating her hard work in championing cultural diversity, both on-screen and behind the camera.
“We are delighted to award her with an honorary degree and I am sure she will be an inspiration to our graduating students.”
Parminder Vir said: “I am deeply touched and absolutely honoured to receive this award from the University for the Creative Arts.
“From organising film festivals, to producing films, developing policy as UKFC Board director and more recently to financing them, I have had the privilege of seeing the film industry across the whole value chain. It will be my pleasure to bring this knowledge and experience to the students of UCA.”
The University for the Creative Arts has 7,000 students, studying at campuses in Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone and Rochester.
This year it has presented honorary degrees to Vogue editor, Alexandra Shulman, ceramicist, Edmund de Waal, and industrial designer, Pradyumna Vyas.
Broadcaster and humanitarian, Bob Geldof KBE, will receive an honorary degree at UCA Canterbury’s graduation ceremony on Thursday 22 July 2010.