Choosing University and Why Bristol

Deciding what to do after my A Levels wasn’t something I had fully mapped out from the start. What I did know, though, was that I genuinely loved studying film. Taking Film Studies at A Level gave me a space to explore storytelling, visual style, and meaning in a way that felt both creative and analytical and it quickly became the subject I connected with the most.

Even with that interest, I wasn’t immediately sure what path I wanted to take at university. I spent time researching different courses and thinking about what would suit me best, not just in terms of content, but also in how I like to learn. That’s when I came across filmmaking as a degree option. It stood out because it offered a balance between theory and practical work — something that really appealed to me. I liked the idea of not only studying film but actually creating it, using equipment, working on set, and developing hands-on skills alongside critical thinking.

Choosing filmmaking felt like the right step because it allows me to engage with the subject in a more immersive way. It’s not just about analysing films, but about understanding the process behind them and becoming part of it myself. That combination of creativity and technical learning is what made the course feel like a natural progression from my A Levels.

When it came to deciding where to study, Bristol quickly stood out. Through my research, I found that it has a strong reputation as a hub for film and creative industries, which made it an exciting place to consider. But beyond that, I found myself drawn to the city itself. There’s something about its atmosphere, its creative energy and its character that really appealed to me and it didn’t take long for me to feel like it was somewhere I could see myself living and studying.

Overall, my decision to continue to university and pursue filmmaking came from a mix of passion, curiosity and wanting to challenge myself creatively. Choosing Bristol felt like the perfect place to take that next step.

This I see directing my first film for my A level starring my cousin!