Television alumnus wins honorary award at Activists Without Borders Film Festival

You were recently awarded an honorary award for 'Efforts in Social Filmmaking' at the Activists Without Borders Film Festival – can you tell us more about this experience?

Receiving the honorary award was a huge honour. The festival celebrates filmmakers who use storytelling to create real social impact, so to be recognised in that space felt incredibly meaningful. It also marks the second award for this documentary after winning the Shorts category at the Doc’n Roll Film Festival, which has made the whole journey even more special.

The award wasn’t just a personal achievement. It felt like validation that stories rooted in humanity, resilience and social justice really matter, and that they resonate far beyond their borders. It’s motivated me to keep pushing my filmmaking towards projects that can genuinely influence conversations and inspire action.

In a world that’s so connected yet divided, I think it’s more important than ever for filmmakers to spark conversations that can lead to real change. Storytelling has the power to shift perspectives, build empathy and highlight voices that often go unheard.

Can you tell us about your documentary, Resonance Beyond Borders: The Sounds of Ukraine?

The documentary captures the lives of four Ukrainian artists who turn to drum and bass as a way to express their pain, hope and identity. Whether performing in hidden clubs or recording in makeshift studios, their stories highlight the unstoppable force of creativity and comfort music brings during unimaginable hardship while also serving as a source of support and solidarity for their friends fighting on the front line.

The idea for Resonance Beyond Borders: The Sounds of Ukraine came from working with Hospital Records, where I first met Ukrainian artists at Fabric in London, a renowned venue for drum and bass. I was blown away by their passion and resilience — the energy in the room when they played was like nothing I’d ever felt before. From that moment, I knew their story needed to be told.

Making the documentary was an intense and deeply rewarding experience. I followed the artists as they navigated life and music amid the chaos of war, capturing performances, studio sessions and personal moments. Interviews allowed them to share their struggles, hopes and identities while the music drove the narrative, showing how creativity and resilience can thrive even in the hardest circumstances.

Seeing their stories come together on screen and resonate with audiences has been incredibly fulfilling.

Since graduating from Falmouth you have founded SW Productions, a video production agency based in the Southwest that focuses on bringing brands to life through video. Can you tell us more about what you do?

Each project at SW Productions brings new challenges, stories and creative opportunities, keeping the work exciting and constantly evolving. My role is varied; I might be managing clients, planning shoots, filming on location, editing, or directing larger creative projects. I’m also responsible for behind-the-scenes operations: proposals, budgeting, strategy and building long-term relationships with clients.

Currently, it’s just myself and my business partner running SW Productions, but we work closely with other creatives on projects to bring in additional expertise and perspectives. Because we’re a small, agile team, every project is hands-on and personal. I love being deeply involved in the full process from the first conversation with a client, to shaping the concept, to delivering a final film that genuinely represents who they are.

How did your time as a student at Falmouth helped you to build a career in filmmaking?

I really enjoyed my time at Falmouth, the three years flew by! I loved that the course was so hands-on, allowing you to try new things, experiment and make mistakes. It was the best way for me to learn. I valued the emphasis on real-world experience. Working in crews, pitching ideas and delivering projects under deadlines prepared me for the pace and pressure of the industry.

Looking back, the degree didn’t just teach me how to use equipment. It taught me how to communicate, work with people and how to approach filmmaking with intention. Those skills have been essential in building SW Productions and carving out my path.

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Create what you’re passionate about with BA(Hons) Television Film Production