Xiaohongshu
Last Term, we concluded our Introduction to Filmmaking Lab, with a special screening at the Curzon Cinema, Victoria. Over the course of 8 weeks, our artsUnlocked students learnt all the fundamentals of film, under the expert guidance of filmmaker Tomisin Adepeju. From creating initial concepts and writing scripts, to shooting and editing, our students had the opportunity to create their very own films from scratch.
Four films were created overall, including a documentary, horror and drama, and each director had the chance to get up and talk about their film and their experience. We were absolutely blown away and so inspired by each and every film.
We loved hearing from our students about their time on the course and what it meant to bring their own films to life. Here is what they had to share about their insightful 8-week journey:
What was your role, and what did you contribute to the film?
Students took on a wide range of roles, from directing to production design, with many contributing across multiple areas. “We worked as production designers,” said Cassandra and Christiana. “That meant making judgement calls about the placement of objects, actors, and sets, it really showed us how much visual choices affect the mood of a scene.”
Others spoke about the responsibility of leading a project : “Directing was intense,” shared Victoria, Director of “Death of Her”. “There were last-minute cancellations and constant problem-solving but learning to overcome those hurdles was one of the most valuable parts.”
How would you summarise your experience of the artsUnlocked Filmmaking Lab?
For many students, the course exceeded expectations, both in scale and intensity. “I wasn’t expecting it to be that big and that real,” reflected Cassandra. “It was so fun to be on set and see how everything is actually made.”
Others described the experience as eye-opening, particularly in understanding the nuances of the filmmaking process: “You don’t realise how much goes into creating a film until you’re part of it, from pre-production to post-production,” Victoria shared. “It was challenging, but very rewarding.”
Several students also spoke about how the course changed the way they watch films: “I started analysing films more deeply,” said Jiya. “You stop seeing them just as stories and start seeing all the decisions behind them.”
Tell us about your film
The films created during the course explored a range of themes, from everyday human connection to moral conflict and family loss.
“My film looks at the bond you have with strangers just by being in the same place at the same time,” explained Jiya, director of “Cycles”. “A laundromat felt like the perfect setting-it’s ordinary, but full of stories.”
Another film used genre to explore ethical dilemmas. “It’s a mystery-horror centred on a man facing a decision that challenges his moral compass,” shared Victoria.“It’s about what people are willing to sacrifice for love.”
Family relationships also featured strongly. “The film is about a father leaving his family and what happens in the daughter’s mind,” shared Durian, Director of “Going Home”. “I wanted it to be emotionally moving.”
Across projects, students were motivated by telling stories with intention. “You’re not making a film unless you have something to say,” Jiya reflected.
What was your biggest takeaway from the course?
Planning, organisation, and collaboration emerged as key takeaways: “Schedule is probably the most important thing in filmmaking,” Jiya shared. “While one scene is being shot, the next one had to be prepared.”
Students also spoke about adaptability. “There’s always going to be a hitch,” reflected Victoria. “Learning to roll with the punches was a huge lesson.”
Beyond practical skills, many highlighted the importance of community: “Film isn’t something you do alone,” Jiya explained. “Having people who believe in you makes a huge difference.”
What advice would you give to someone considering a creative course with artsUnlocked?
Across interviews, the message was consistent: “Just do it!”
“Even if you’ve never done anything like this before, just go for it,” Cassandra and Christiana said. “That’s the whole point of the course.”
“I would say to a person that is interested that they should actually do it, whether they feel legitimate or not, whether they're experienced or not, because it's the first time I ever did anything of the sort” Durian affirmed.
Others emphasised the value of trying something new: “I say do it, honestly, do it, go for it, because if there's one place that you can really hone your creativity and do things, make mistakes, learn - it's university!.” Jiya added
Perhaps most importantly, students encouraged future participants to trust the process and take the next step towards pursuing their passions! “Even if you only contributed in a small way,” Christiana reflected, “knowing you helped create something meaningful is an incredible feeling.”
As the Introduction to Filmmaking Lab came to an end ...
It was clear that the impact of the course extended far beyond the films themselves. Over eight weeks, students not only developed filmmaking skills, but also built confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of storytelling. From initial ideas to final screenings, each project reflected the care, commitment, and teamwork of its creators. The Curzon Cinema screening was a fitting celebration of this journey, an opportunity to recognise the hard work behind the scenes and to honour the voices and stories our students brought to life.
