We spoke to Aaliyah from UCL East Film&Screen Saturday Club about their time on the programme.
Why were you interested in a Saturday Club with a Film&Screen focus?
Mainly because we don’t really study film or media in school, so it was something different. I didn’t know too much about film but it’s something I found really interesting, I enjoy exploring different pathways that aren’t just school subjects like History and Geography. When I thought about film I only related it to watching movies and documentaries, so wanted to know more.
What have you enjoyed the at your Saturday Club so far?
The identity documentary was one of my favourites. We watched a few videos about filmmaking techniques and then had to make a one-to-two-minute documentary about what identity means to us individually. We went off and filmed clips about what we do in life, like the things that make up our identities. I had a few videos of me and my friends, a video with my brother, sports I enjoy – and I went to Shoreditch because I love the graffiti there. It answered questions like ‘what things do you love and how do you express yourself?’
What does Film&Screen mean to you?
I think it’s the different ways to express yourself and show people who you are and what you like. You can go out and you can film the things that interest you and then combine them all together, and anyone can get an idea of who you are as a person.
What are your favourite films?
I love Marvel, and Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. That’s one of my favourite films. I love the visual effects and just all of it generally. It’s an amazing film.
Who, what, who, what or where inspires you the most?
The outdoors. There’s just so much potential when you go out, especially because we live in London, it’s just so colourful (except the weather). Whenever you go out, you see something that automatically makes you say things like ‘that’s creative’ or ‘that’s stunning’.
How would you overcome a creative block?
If I go on something like Instagram or TikTok and I see someone posting ‘a day in a life’ video or something like that, it kind of just inspires me because it’s like, ‘oh, that’s a really cool place’ or ‘oh, that’d be a nice location to film in.’ Seeing content like that inspires me to go out and film.
If you could make one thing better in the world, what would it be and why?
Maybe loyalty. I don’t know, but that seems to stand out. If people were truer to themselves, you’d get to know them better without any false narrative. It’d just create a better environment for everyone if from the get-go what people’s intentions are or how they behave.
What’s the best thing about being your age?
The people. When you’re younger, you have so many connections with different people and everyone has their own kind of thing, their own dreams and desires. You can have a friend in music who’s a great singer, or someone who’s really sporty – I think at this age, people have a lot of ambition and motivation, so all your friends are creative in some sort of way.
If you could say anything to your future self what would you say?
Life is too short to be getting upset over small things. Just have fun with it.
What’re your next steps?
I do want to continue filming. If I go to a college, I’d definitely study film and the screen, but I find it really fun and relaxing, so I might continue do it in my spare time too. I like the freedom of what you can do with it, all of the different interpretations on one idea.
At the UCL East Film&Screen Saturday Club, Club members discover the processes of filmmaking and games design, from production and sound design, to VFX and animation. Club members also take part in national events including Masterclasses with leading industry professionals and the Summer Show, where Saturday Clubs nationwide exhibit their work in a public exhibition – all for free!
Interview conducted and edited by Anisha Jackson