Future of Film

An academic from Leeds says he has found his ‘calling’ after seeing his short film aired nationally on the BBC’s website.

23-year-old Hassan Abdullahi, from Harehills, produced his video about life growing up in Leeds, as part of the ‘Writing Britain’ project, delivered by Studio 12 and Leeds City Council.

Alongside 15 other young writers, the former Manchester University student was tasked with creating a short film reflecting on his own aspirations and time growing up in Leeds.

PRODUCTION: Leeds filmmaker, Hassan Abdullahi, produced his own short film as part of a nationwide competition, and will see it broadcast on BBC’s website this week

The movie was then produced to industry standard by production company, ‘Left Eye Blind’ and out of all the entrants just three were selected to be aired at the city’s Everyman Cinema in Trinity Leeds.

Hassan’s dark film was one of the selected pieces and due to its high commendation, has now been selected to air online at BBC Fresh.

For the avid writer, the news came as a surprise but he says he is now more determined than ever to pursue a career in production.

“When BBC got in contact, I didn’t even know at first,” he said. “It was the guys at Studio 12 who told me that my film and two other candidates were going to be involved in the Fresh programme.

“I was obviously very happy and it really did motivate me to continue doing what I enjoy.”

He added: “The reason I started this whole thing was because since leaving university I had not been able to find work. Since I couldn’t find anywhere to work, I decided to find a way to create work for myself and do something positive that can also help others.

“I was already motivated academically and had always loved writing so when this project came up I never had any doubts about it.”

The BBC Fresh site promotes the work of budding filmmakers and each of the three films will be published on the site this month.

Hassan, who says his film has some darker, more serious shots in it, explained why he believes his past experiences have helped him excel in the production project.

He said: “The experiences I have been through, a bit of hardship, a bit of academics, a bit of street wise, it has all come together and helped me be in a place where I feel I can produce powerful productions.

“The way this whole film has come together, with the production values alongside the script, it is absolutely amazing.

“I would definitely say that I have found what I am supposed to do in life and just can’t wait to see where this takes me now.”

To view Hassan’s short film please visit BBC Three’s Fresh website and see his reflection on growing up in Harehills.