Having access to industry-standard equipment played a huge role in building my confidence. Cameras, sound equipment and editing suites were treated as tools to experiment with and learn from, not untouchable resources.
Learning by doing
From the very beginning of the MA Film Production programme, I was encouraged to step in, try things out and learn through experience. Having access to industry-standard equipment played a huge role in building my confidence. Cameras, sound equipment and editing suites were treated as tools to experiment with and learn from, not untouchable resources.
I still remember the thrill of our early projects, where nothing was scripted beyond what we planned together. Recreating scenes, leading small crews and making creative decisions under pressure showed me that filmmaking is as much about problem-solving and communication as it is about technical skill.
One moment that has stayed with me was when the university booked the historic St Alfege Church for a full-day shoot to recreate the final scene of a well-known film. My classmates chose me to direct the project. That day changed how I saw myself. It felt huge. We weren’t just pretending anymore, it felt real. I realised I could lead, communicate clearly and stay calm even when things felt overwhelming.
Very quickly, I understood that this course wasn’t about sitting back and watching. I was expected to get involved, make mistakes, ask questions and grow from the experience.
Understanding the whole process
A defining strength of the course was its holistic structure. Modules in scriptwriting, acting for directors, editing, cinematography and sound design gave me a working understanding of every part of filmmaking and how they all connect.
Learning each discipline changed how I worked with people. Once you understand sound, lighting or performance, you communicate better. You respect every role on set. Modules in scriptwriting, directing screen performance, editing, cinematography, and sound design gave me a strong understanding of every part of the filmmaking process and how each element connects. Cinematography deepened my understanding of visual language, tone and mood.
Alongside mastering the technical aspects, I learned just as much from the community within my cohort. Collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds, sharing ideas and giving feedback on projects taught me resilience, adaptability and the confidence to make decisions in collaborative settings. Everyone brought something different to the table. We learned not just from the course itself, but from each other. That diversity of ideas shaped the way I approach storytelling.
Instead of being pushed into one role, I was able to figure out where my strengths really were. That is incredibly empowering when you are starting out.
A moment that mattered
One of the most meaningful moments of my time at Greenwich came at the end of the course during the public screening of our final projects. My documentary, “Mustafa: True Story of a Tiger”, initially raised eyebrows among my classmates and faculty, as it was hard to imagine a master’s student taking on a story of such scale.
After the screening, my Head of Department embraced me and told me that I had done exactly what I set out to do, that I had made the film I promised I would. Hearing that meant everything. It was not just about completing a project, it was proof of how much I had grown in confidence and conviction. In that moment, I realised how far I had come and how much the belief and support at Greenwich had shaped me.
Turning study into a career
Since graduating, I have remained in the UK through the Graduate visa and am now self-employed , building a career across film, education and community storytelling. What I gained at Greenwich has helped me to thrive in this field.
Greenwich did not just teach me technical skills. It taught me how to work, how to communicate and how to show up professionally. Through opportunities connected to the university, I worked as a location marshal on ‘Slow Horses’ Season 2 for Apple TV+, gaining first-hand experience of how large-scale UK productions operate. I also worked as a solo camera operator on a live-streamed TED-style event using real-time visual effects. These experiences made the industry feel real and accessible. I was not just learning in theory. I was already part of professional environments.
My final MA documentary has since screened internationally across the UK, Italy, Australia and India, was a quarter-finalist in the US, and received Best Short Documentary at the Bombay International Film Festival 2025. When that award came through, it felt surreal, but I also knew it was rooted in the support and training I received at Greenwich.
I have since worked on major UK productions including ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, gaining experience on fast-paced sets and continuing to build adaptability, teamwork and confidence.
Giving back through storytelling
Alongside my industry work, I also work as a workshop assistant with London Borough of Culture , delivering journalism and digital storytelling workshops for Year 8 students from diverse backgrounds. I love working with young people. Helping them realise that their stories matter is incredibly rewarding.
My role involves safeguarding-informed facilitation, inclusive content creation and producing videos, podcasts and digital assets used across project communications. I was also invited by Media Careers, supported by the British Film Institute, the National Lottery and Into Film, to take part in a podcast discussing my journey as an international student and my path into the creative industries.
Greenwich gave me opportunities, confidence and belief in myself. It is a gift I carry with me every day, and I want others to see what is possible when they choose this university.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue using storytelling to support education, social causes and ethical filmmaking, while also mentoring future students.
