Where there is light, there is movement,

and where there is movement, there is story.  "Gaylan Nazhad"

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​​Course Description

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This four-week intensive course is designed for aspiring documentary filmmakers and photographers who wish to develop a distinctive creative vision. Through hands on fieldwork, guided exercises, and critical discussions, participants explore storytelling, visual composition, and ethical engagement with subjects. The course emphasises not only technical skill framing, lighting, sound, and editing, but also personal artistic growth, resilience, and the ability to convey human stories with emotional depth and nuance.

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Participants leave the course with a refined portfolio, stronger creative voice, and the confidence to execute documentary projects that resonate both visually and emotionally.

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Learning Outcomes

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By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

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• Develop and articulate a clear, personal creative vision for documentary projects.

• Research, plan, and structure narratives that explore themes of human existence, diaspora, love, and solitude.

• Apply cinematic techniques in photography and film: framing, lighting, sound, and composition.

• Engage with subjects ethically while capturing authentic stories.

• Edit and shape material to create cohesive, emotionally compelling narratives.

• Present projects for critique, collaboration, or exhibition with professional standards.

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Course Outline

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Week 1: Foundations of Creative Vision

• Understanding documentary storytelling and personal style

• Analysing exemplary works to identify vision, tone, and narrative approach

• Exploring themes, inspiration, and ethical considerations

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Week 2: Research, Concept, and Pre-Production

• Conducting research and fieldwork for documentary projects

• Developing concepts, storyboards, and visual references

• Planning shoots with narrative and emotional coherence

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Week 3: Fieldwork & Cinematic Techniques

• Hands-on shooting in urban, rural, or studio settings

• Visual storytelling, composition, lighting, and sound capture

• Engaging subjects and documenting ethically sensitive material

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Week 4: Post-Production & Presentation

• Editing, sequencing, and shaping material into compelling stories

• Integrating sound, music, and colour to enhance narrative impact

• Final screening, peer feedback, and professional presentation of work

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Teaching Methods

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• Mentored Fieldwork: practical, guided shoots in diverse environments

• Assignments & Projects: weekly exercises to reinforce learning

• Critiques & Discussions: peer and instructor feedback on creative and ethical approaches

• Portfolio Development & Screening: curated presentation of student work

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Course Details​​

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• Location: London and Shanghai

• Duration: 4 weeks, one full day each week

• Class Size: 4 participants (ensures personal guidance)

• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of DSLR or mirrorless camera operation

• Materials Provided: readings, slides, video tutorials, and field resources

• Achievement: Certificate of Completion, curated screening of short documentary/photography work

 

 

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Beyond Filmmaking 

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This course goes beyond technical skills to cultivate resilience, creativity, and meaningful collaboration. Drawing on the instructor’s experience as a genocide survivor from Iraqi Kurdistan, students are encouraged to confront challenges, embrace endurance, and develop their creative voice in a supportive, community-oriented environment.​​​