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Zakir Hossain, is studying for an MA in Media Production and has already written and directed a film which addresses the continuing rise of knife and gang culture in the UK. The Blade, Zakir’s first English speaking film, was financed by several community bodies including Luton Borough Council and will be released on DVD and shown on a national television station later in the year.
The Bangladeshi film-maker chose to come to England to hone his filmmaking skills. He chose the University of Bedfordshire because of it cheaper tuition fees and because its close to good cities and towns. He soon settled in to his course, and admits that his film-making experience has helped him excel in his subjects.
He said: “I have always wanted to work in film and world cinema. I would like to take what I have learnt from my course and the practical experience of working on films, and use them in my future projects.
Zakir says he likes Luton because of the ‘homely’ feel of the town, and he also finds the accommodation affordable. He said: “The University's Luton campus is based in the heart of the town centre, so there is a real sense of community on campus. I have made friends on my course quickly and the staff are very approachable.
“I had initially registered for an MA International Cinema, but I swapped because I am more interested in making films than film history and theory. There was no problem with me doing this, and the staff understood and helped me transfer to MA Media Production efficiently.”
Zakir’s work has featured in several top newspapers in Bangladesh including the ‘Daily Prothom Alo' and ‘The Daily Independent.’ His work has attracted attention from the British Press and he has been interviewed by BBC 3 Counties Radio as well as appearing in the University’s newspaper ‘Life’.
Zakir would like to remain in the UK and work in the film industry after graduating. He has already started work on his next project. ‘The Auction’ explores forced marriage in different societies. The film also addresses discrimination some women face.
In his spare time, Zakir enjoys poetry, scriptwriting, acting and both writing and reading literature. In fact, his English language poems, articles and critiques of films and filmmaking were published in a national newspaper in Bangladesh.
He said: “My course and filmmaking allow me to express myself creatively. I am passionate about helping other people. I feel my films will reach people, and hopefully they can empathise with the characters and learn from their mistakes.”
For more information about MA Media Production or any of the courses offered at the University of Bedfordshire visit www.beds.ac.uk or call 0800 389 66 33.
