Studying a master’s in Film & TV as a Chevening Scholar

After several years working as a filmmaker in Timor-Leste, Southeast Asia, Chevening Scholar Salvador Dejesus reached a point where further study felt like the natural next step. His work with NGOs and international organisations has focused on documenting everyday life and social challenges, shaping both his creative practice and his ambitions for the future.

We caught up with Salvador to talk about what drew him to study a master’s in Film & Television in the UK, being awarded the highly competitive Chevening Scholarship and how his studies are shaping his ambition to help develop Timor-Leste’s film industry from the ground up.

You had an established career in film before returning to study. What made this the right moment to take on a master’s degree?

After finishing my undergraduate studies in film and TV in New Zealand in 2016, I have been working to help build a film industry in Timor-Leste. This has not been easy, as there are very limited human resources in the film industry. If there are people working in the sector, they can almost be counted on one hand.

This is why I feel now is the right time for me to continue with a master’s degree. My aim is to open a film course in Timor-Leste to help develop skills, build resources in film, and support the growth of the industry in my country.

I hope to become the first cinematographer in my country.

The decision to return to study after establishing my film production work was not easy, as I already had various clients, including UN agencies, international organisations and local organisations. However, I knew I was working towards something bigger once I completed my studies.

How did your experience working across NGOs and international organisations in Timor-Leste shape the stories you want to tell as a filmmaker?

The experience I have gained working with international NGOs in Timor-Leste has been very valuable. It has changed my approach as a filmmaker. Many of the videos our team produces focus on the real lives and social issues faced by communities in rural areas. This includes access to clean water, electricity, health centres, schools and markets, as well as producing food to eat and sell.

These experiences have made me particularly interested in creating films that focus on human interest and real-life history, although I also remain interested in fictional storytelling.