This spotlight is on the media and film studies department who were lucky enough to have an audience with film director Amma Asante. Film studies is designed to develop a student’s understanding of the diverse range of cinema and allow them to explore film practice within a national, global and historical context. Many of our students continue their studies in this area or begin their journey into the industry through apprenticeships or work experience.  

After watching her most recent film ‘A United Kingdom’ students heard from Amma Asante who described her own journey. Subject representatives for film studies Dan Harden, Francis Cousins and Evie Gordon asked Amma about what films inspired her and what advice she would give on how to get into today’s competitive industry.  

Starting off in the cast of Grange Hill at the age of 13, Amma discovered her love for the power of a story and knew she wanted to stay in the industry. Amma went on to write and direct her first film in 2004, ‘A Way of Life’ which won a BAFTA award for ‘Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer’. She directed her second film ‘Belle’ in 2013 and most recently ‘A United Kingdom’ in 2016. Amma explained to the students to keep going - you can be commissioned to do a lot of work, but not all of it will come to fruition or appear on the screen. “There is no one way to make your way into the industry so always be tenacious and explore your creativity.”   

It was a fantastic opportunity for students to hear Amma’s story. Farnborough has brilliant links with professionals in media and film - if you would like to find out more about the courses we offer at the College, please click here.