NewVIc invited film director, producer, actor, presenter and screenwriter, Islah Abdur-Rahman, the founder of The Cornershop Network, to the college to give students an insight into the world of filmmaking.

The UK creative industry contributed over £126 billion to the economy in 2022 and currently supports 2.4 million jobs and, according to government data, one in eight UK businesses are part of the Creative Industries with 62% of all creative businesses located in London, the South East and the East of England. The Cornershop Network, an award winning entertainment platform that creates original content celebrating and championing positive ethnic representation (and best known for the hit series, the Corner Shop Show and the web series Mandem in the Wall) is a fantastic example of this.

With this in mind NewVIc invited film director, producer, actor, presenter and screenwriter, Islah Abdur-Rahman, the founder of The Cornershop Network, to the college to give students an insight into the world of filmmaking. Islah regularly features on the BBC Asian Network and has worked with the likes of Guz Khan in the hit comedy-drama series, Man Like Mobeen, to name a few.

Islah worked with more than 60 Creative Media students to help them understand the life of a film director, the industry and his personal journey. Islah shared a short film screening of ‘If Only’ which showcases how young people are groomed into a life of criminality and how his work has helped to turnaround young peoples’ lives. He also discussed the key skills needed to build a career as well as sharing top tips and how to enter the film industry.

Students were also given the chance to shadow the sound and camera crew as they shot a short film, directed by Islah and written by Holly Higbee, called 'Ruby' which aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by young carers and the conflicts they face juggling education whilst taking care of a parent/grandparent who suffers from an illness/mental illness.

NewVIc students found the entire project, from learning about the industry to actually shadowing on set and being behind the screens, of huge benefit.

Level 3 Creative Media student, Ciaran, said:

"This was an awesome opportunity for me, to get a wider perspective on the creative industry, his advice and tips on networking were really helpful and shadowing on an actual shoot was great."

Level 3 Art and A Level Media student, Abisagi, said:

"Having a special guest speaker from the film industry come into college to talk to us was very exciting and informative. It gave me confidence as I can relate to Islah and his journey; he is someone from my community." 

Level 3 Creative Media student, Temi, added:

"It was inspirational to hear about someone from a similar background to me becoming successful and not giving up. Following the team on the shoot was brilliant; I learnt so much and got to see how it all comes together on set." 

Film Director, Islah Abdur-Rahman, said:

“I've been an actor, filmmaker and presenter for 13 years, and to be invited to speak to the students of NewVIc was an honour. I love giving back to the younger generation, sharing my knowledge and experiences of the entertainment industry. It was even more of an honour to follow up by including NewVIc students in my next film titled 'Ruby', a film that raises awareness of the struggles of young carers in the UK.

 NewVIc students enthusiastically joined in on camera and learnt a lot behind the scenes too. The staff were so accommodating and keen to help create opportunities for young talent looking to get their foot into the industry. I believe this is the start of more projects like this between myself and NewVIc and I can't wait for the next one!”

Paul Jones, Curriculum Manager for Creative Arts who helped organise the industry expert partnership, commented:

“It was fantastic to have Islah onsite working with our students. We want to invite guest speakers from the creative industry into the college to enrich our curriculum, and help put theory into practice for students. I knew that Islah would provide inspirational and invaluable advice to our learners, which will help motivate them whilst at college and in their future careers.”

For more information about NewVIc’s Creative Media courses and how to enrol, please visit here.

For more information on Islah Abdur-Rahman, please visit here.