We recently caught up with Kings Bournemouth alumna Anastasia, an inspiring young filmmaker from Ukraine, who is now pursuing her dream of studying cinematography at the University of the Arts London (UAL).
A Dream in Focus
"My biggest dream," Anastasia shares with a bright smile, "is that when I finish university, I want to work with Christopher Nolan." Ambitious? Absolutely. But from the way she speaks about film and storytelling, it’s clear she’s already well on her way. Currently enrolled in Film Practice at the London College of Communication (part of UAL), Anastasia is immersing herself in the craft she’s always loved.
A Creative Beginning at Kings Bournemouth
Anastasia’s journey began at Kings Bournemouth, where she studied A-levels, including Art and Design. “It really helped me to build my portfolio and write my personal statement for university,” she explains. Alongside her academic studies, she threw herself into extracurriculars like the Media Club and Photography Club, even managing the school’s Instagram account for a while — an experience that boosted both her confidence and her creativity.
Learning by Doing
It was during her time at Kings that Anastasia discovered her passion for editing and filmmaking. “At first, I was just interested in editing,” she says. “Then I became curious about how movies are made — and I knew this was something I wanted to pursue.” Her university life now revolves around exactly that: hands-on, collaborative projects with creatives. One of her favorite projects so far? A team documentary filmed in an urban garden — a unique opportunity to explore storytelling through a lens of nature and community.
Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers
When asked what advice she would give to other students with similar dreams, Anastasia is clear: “Be proactive in building your portfolio. Make short films, take part in workshops or short courses related to cinematography or editing — anything that helps you grow.”
From Bournemouth to London, Anastasia’s journey reminds us that dreams only grow stronger when they’re backed by action. We can’t wait to see where her passion takes her next — maybe even to the set of a Christopher Nolan film.
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